Research Assistant / Advanced Research Assistant

Location: The Innovation Centre, Headington, Oxford
Client: Novo Nordisk
Department: Target Identification & Maturation (TIM)
Reporting to: Scientific Services Manager
Contract: Full-time, 6 month fixed-term contract

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant / Advanced Research Assistant to join our Scientific Services team supporting cutting-edge research programmes within Novo Nordisk's Target Identification & Maturation (TIM) department.
This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with experience in molecular biology and laboratory operations who is looking to develop their scientific career within a collaborative and innovative research environment.
Working as part of a laboratory-based team, you will support research projects and client scientists through a range of scientific and operational activities. The role is central to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, business continuity and laboratory excellence.
Research Assistants will focus on developing broad experience across multiple project areas while supporting key laboratory workflows. Advanced Research Assistants will operate with greater autonomy, contribute to experimental design and project delivery, provide technical leadership and support the development of colleagues through coaching and mentoring.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Activities

• Perform cell culture activities and sample preparation/storage.
• Support in vitro workflows, including preparation of samples for RT-PCR and qPCR analysis.
• Undertake CRISPR screening studies.
• Conduct plasmid DNA preparation using miniprep and maxiprep methodologies.
• Support viral production and transduction activities.
• Perform imaging, data generation and analysis.
• Participate in assay optimisation and development.
• Analyse results and accurately record data within LIMS and ELN systems.
• Contribute to procedure writing and documentation.

Laboratory Operations

• Support the use, maintenance and operation of automated laboratory equipment and systems.
• Manage consumable stock levels using established inventory systems and lean practices.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory housekeeping.
• Participate in cross-training initiatives and provide support across laboratory functions, including cell culture and cell banking activities.
• Liaise with Facilities and Operations teams to ensure the smooth running of laboratories.
• Escalate technical, operational or safety concerns to the Scientific Services Manager as appropriate.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Take an active role in continuous improvement, sustainability initiatives and laboratory efficiency programmes.
• Support activities such as 5S, waste reduction and recycling programmes.
• Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with quality, safety, security and environmental requirements.
• Adhere to all client, company and regulatory procedures, policies and standards.

About You

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• BSc, HND or equivalent qualification in a Biological Science discipline, or relevant industry experience.
• Experience of routine molecular biology techniques, including:
  • Plasmid DNA preparation
  • Cell sample preparation
  • Cell transfection techniques
• Experience working within a laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Risk Assessments and Work Instructions.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs).
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel and Word.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience of quality improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Previous experience working within a research environment.
• Understanding of COSHH requirements and laboratory safety practices.
• Experience using laboratory automation platforms, including liquid handling and incubation systems.
• Experience with sequencing workflows such as lysis-based protocols and DRUG-seq.

Career Development

This role offers excellent opportunities for training and professional development.
Advanced Research Assistants are expected to demonstrate:

• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Contribution to experimental design and systems oversight.
• Effective project management and delivery of work packages.
• Consistent demonstration of organisational values and behaviours.
• Coaching, mentoring and training of less experienced team members.

Progression to Advanced Research Assistant is subject to demonstrated competence and performance, assessed through line manager review. A minimum of one year of onsite experience is required before eligibility for progression can be considered.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for proactive individuals who:

• Enjoy working in a fast-paced scientific environment.
• Have a passion for research and laboratory excellence.
• Take ownership of their work and demonstrate a strong attention to detail.
• Thrive in collaborative teams and enjoy supporting colleagues.
• Are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

Additional Information

• Flexibility around working hours may occasionally be required, including early starts and some weekend working.
• The role involves periods of standing, walking and general laboratory activity.
• Manual handling activities may be required as part of normal laboratory operations.

If you are looking to join an innovative scientific environment where you can develop your technical expertise while contributing to impactful research programmes, we would love to hear from you.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Vertage Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.