Research Assistant 

3 Year Fixed Term Contract

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a technology institute established by the UK Government as a unique centre committed to advancing tools that are needed to transform healthcare in the future.

The Institute brings together researchers in life and physical sciences, and engineering, to develop a spectrum of tools which we will use to image, interpret and intervene in biological systems. These insights will speed up the discovery of new medicines, help find new diagnostics and contribute to a deeper understanding of human health and disease. Our Science Strategy seeks to focus the Franklin’s research and unite our researchers around our Technology Innovation Challenges and Life Science Challenges. 

The Role | Research Assistant

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support cutting-edge research in cell-cell interaction in epithelia. The role will focus on the development and genetic modification of human gut organoid and cell models, including the generation of fluorescently tagged proteins and disease-relevant phenotypes. The role will involve apply molecular biology techniques including DNA cloning, qPCR, and sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, advanced 2D and 3D cell culture, and fluorescence imaging techniques including super resolution. The post-holder will handle human tissue samples in compliance with HTA regulations and prepare growth factors for organoid maintenance.

The successful candidate will support a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

Key Responsibilities | Research Assistant

As a Research Assistant at the Franklin, you will become an integral part of the research team, supporting the work of scientists, by ensuring the smooth running of the labs. You will manage technologies and reagents and provide services to support the work of students and scientists of all levels. You may also be asked to undertake well defined experimental protocols in a supervised fashion. 

You will also:

• Work with students and teams of researchers/technologists around established projects.
• Manage day to day running of the facilities and ensure that specific activities within the lab perform well.
• Keep meticulous records, ensuring compliance of lab processes, ordering and stocking, maintenance and operations.
• Support use of facilities, production of samples or performing aspects on behalf of researchers, with due consideration to health and safety.
• Be supervised by Lab Managers/Scientists.
• Be involved in scientific portfolio, including publications, projects or conferences.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick.

In return we offer:

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
•  Health Cash Plan
• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us to discuss your requirements confidentially.

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we also welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience.

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 15th March 2026