Research Assistant

Location: Department of Paediatrics, Wood Research Group, Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine IDRM, Old Road Campus, Oxford

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join Professor Matthew Woods Research Group the Department of Paediatrics as our Research Assistant. 

The Wood laboratory focuses on developing molecular therapies for disorders of the nervous system and muscle. Our objectives include understanding disease biology, identifying and validating therapeutic targets, and developing gene-based nucleic acid therapeutic platforms. The laboratory uses in vitro and animal models to evaluate these platforms and simultaneously develops advanced delivery technologies to target relevant tissues and cells, such as skeletal muscle, heart, and nervous system. The laboratory has developed novel oligonucleotide and RNA editing therapies for neuromuscular disorders, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA). The group has also developed extracellular vesicle nanotechnologies for targeted cell delivery and discovered delivery technologies, including peptide and antibody-based technologies. Research in the laboratory also includes studying fundamental RNA biology and developing RNA-based therapeutic agents and novel technologies for their delivery 

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology. 

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially until 31/10/2025 with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. 

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics holds the Athena Swan Gold award (a national gender equality charter) acknowledging the innovative policies and practices developed across the department. We encourage staff to develop their skills by offering all staff ten paid days of professional development each year and have a policy where staff can apply to receive funding for further training courses to support their professional development. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. 

Please visit our website to find out more about the Department. 

About you

The role requires the applicant to have a BSc or MSc degree in a relevant science subject, with relevant practical working experience in a laboratory. The applicant should have experience in oligonucleotide synthesis, and be highly motivated and have the ability to communicate effectively with others. 

Application process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement. 

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Amarjit Bhomra, the Operations Manager: amarjit.bhomra@idrm.ox.ac.uk

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 15th January will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. 

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.

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