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Research Assistant

Job details
Posting date: 08 January 2026
Salary: £33,400 per year
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 22 January 2026
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX3 7FZ
Remote working: On-site only
Company: Carbon60
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: BBBH170724_1767884227

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Summary

Research Assistant

Synergy - based at Novo Nordisk, Oxford

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Synergy Research Assistant / Advanced Research Assistant will be primarily lab-based and part of a team responsible for supporting research projects and working groups.

The role of Research Assistant will focus primarily on supportive tasks that enable research and gain a broad range of experience and competence in specific projects.

Advanced Research Assistants will have developed the experience to conduct experiments with limited direction or supervision and be involved in experimental design, systems supervision and management. They will role model organisational behaviours and values and support the development of less experienced team members through training, mentoring and the application of established soft skills.

It is expected that it will take a minimum of 1 year of onsite experience and performance to develop the competence required by the Advance Research Assistant role.

Reporting into the Synergy Team Leader, the role holder(s) will undertake a wide range of activities, be involved with continuous improvement (CI) activities, and have opportunities for training and development. The role(s) are pivotal to ensuring high standards of quality, business continuity and HSE best practice.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

· Cell sample preparation, including the loading of samples onto LC and/or MS

· Supporting in vitro labs with cell sample preparation for RT-PCR, qPCR, cDNA preparation

· Undertake CRISPR screening studies

· Plasmid DNA preparation (Miniprep & maxiprep kits)

· Imaging, production and analysis

· Virus production and transduction

· SOP development

· Use and support of automated equipment and systems

· Assay optimisation and development

· Results analysis and data entry into LIMS

· Consumable stock control within labs using Lean principles

· Takes active role in CI and sustainability activities, e.g., Kanban stock levels, 5S, recycling

· Takes active role in general lab housekeeping

· Takes part in cross training activities and provides cover for other members of the team as required (e.g., cell culture/cell banking)

· Liaison with facilities teams to ensure smooth running of the laboratories

· Ensure that all activities adhere to all Client standards (Quality, Safety and Security).

· Escalation of any issues to Team Leader

· Other duties as reasonably required

· The role holder is accountable for ensuring that all activities are delivered demonstrating behaviours and values aligned to Synergy's Code of Conduct and supporting policies, standards, and procedures, including Health and Safety and Environment

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

  • Synergy Scientific Services Manager
  • Client Teams and Lab Leads
  • Internal & external key stakeholders

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential

  • BSc/HND in science, or equivalent experience
  • Experience of routine Molecular Biology techniques e.g., plasmid preparation, cell sample preparation, cell transfections
  • Familiarity with working in a laboratory environment
  • Experience of working to work instructions and SOPs/Risk Assessments
  • Customer service focus, ability to work as a cohesive team
  • Good planning and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to use Microsoft office - e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience of using LIMS

Desirable:

  • Experience of improvement activities
  • Experience of working within a research environment
  • Understanding of COSHH and/or lab safety

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

· Some flexibility around working hours may be required e.g., early starts, ability to flex hours on occasion, some occasional weekend working

· Although the job does not require heavy lifting, some lifting, bending, and reaching will be required and the role will involve being active for reasonable periods of time

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

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