Junior Technical Specialist (Microbiology & Immunology

Junior Technical Specialist (Microbiology & Immunology)

Department of Paediatrics, Oxford Vaccine Group, Churchill Hospital, Oxford

We have an exciting opportunity for a Junior
Technical
Specialist (Microbiology & Immunology) to join the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG), supporting a diverse portfolio of translational vaccine research. Working across multiple clinical and laboratory research programmes, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality microbiology and/orimmunology assays that underpin studies aimed at understanding immune responses to vaccination and infection.

The postholder will independently perform and oversee a range of established microbiology and immunology techniques, including bacterial culture, molecular microbiology, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, multipleximmunoassaysand functional immune assays. You willbe responsible for ensuring assays are delivered consistently to the highest scientific and quality standards, whilemaintainingaccuratelaboratory documentation and compliance with biosafety and regulatory requirements.

Working closely with senior scientists and researchers, you will contribute to assay optimisation, troubleshooting and quality improvement, helping to ensure the successful delivery of multiple research projects. This is an excellent opportunity foralaboratory scientist to develop their technicalexpertisewithin a collaborative, internationally recognised vaccine research environment.

You will be working ina 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, neuromusculardiseasesand vaccinology.

The Oxford Vaccine Group is a world-leading academic research group conducting clinical and translational studies to advance vaccine development working with a diverse portfolio funded by industry,government and charitable organisations.

This position is offeredfull-timeon a fixed-term contract initially for two yearswith the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications foradditionaltraining funding. By joiningus, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staffwith ideas who are willingto shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and  addition to the University of Oxford's healthcare and wellbeing resources , the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir.

For staff on work visas, we also offer financialassistancetowardsvisa renewal fees.

These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

Please visitourwebsite to find out more about the Department.

You will hold a degree in microbiology, immunology, biologicalsciencesor a related discipline, or have equivalent technical experience, together with significant practical experience of microbiology and/or immunology laboratory techniques. You will have experience performing and troubleshooting complex laboratory assays,maintaining high standards of quality and documentation, and working safely with microbial agents and human biological samples.

You will be highly organised, able to manage your own workload effectively, and have excellent attention to detail.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams are essential. Experience working within regulated laboratory environments or supporting high-throughput research studies would be advantageous.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact

Professor Daniela Ferreira,using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 21 August 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Salary (£) : 35,681 - 41,636 with a discretionary range to £45,212 per annum (pro-rata)