Location: John Radcliffe Hospital (with travel to other locations locally)

Contract type: Fixed term for two years

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant to join the Artificial Intelligence in Pathology study, exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve prostate cancer diagnosis for the benefit of the patient and determining whether or not genetic analysis can augment research data, potentially leading to new discoveries about prostate cancer.

Reporting to Dr Srinivasa Rao and Professor Claire Ferrill, the post holder will be a member of the Rao and Verrill research groups responsible for providing research support for work package 5 of the Artificial Intelligence for Pathology study involving spatial and/or transcriptomic genomic profiling of biopsy specimens. Working in an administrative and technical capacity, you will also be expected to provide general administrative support to the Principal Investigator and Program Director as required.

You will be responsible for performing a variety of histological techniques on non-diagnostic specimens, including tissue processing, embedding, slide staining, scanning and sectioning of paraffin-embedded tissue, and cryosectioning, on archival diagnostic and research specimens, maintaining proficiency according to local procedures. You will have the skills to identify the most appropriate methodologies for hypothesis testing, identify appropriate alternatives if technical problems arise, and have the ability to select, follow and adapt molecular biology protocols. You will be responsible for the general administration and management of the laboratory, including stock control of laboratory consumables, and may be asked to represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or on your own. The post holder will also provide advice and guidance to research students where appropriate.

About you

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, along with some laboratory experience. You will possess sufficient knowledge in the fields of molecular biology and/or histopathology with the ability to manage own research and administrative activities. Excellent IT skills including the ability to maintain an electronic laboratory notebook and take accurate notes are essential. In addition, you will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write publishable texts, present data at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings.

This full time position is available immediately and is fixed term for a period of two years in the first instance. They are based on the John Radcliffe Hospital site (with some traveling to other local sites in Headington). We will be willing to consider applications for part-time hours.

Application process

We encourage potential candidates to find out more about the role by contacting Dr. Srinivasa Rao srinivasa.rao@nds.ox.ac.uk

Applications for this vacancy must be submitted online. You will be asked to upload a supporting statement, explaining how you meet the selection criteria, a CV and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application. Please quote reference NDSA965 in all correspondence.

Only applications received before noon on Friday, October 31, 2025 may be considered.

Interviews will be conducted on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those who are under-represented in higher education. You must not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or any member of staff on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.