Research Technician Jobs in Oxford – Help Study Climate Impact
About Us
We’re a close-knit research team based at the University of Oxford, working on something that really matters — figuring out how extreme weather affects fragile rainforest ecosystems. Ever wondered what a heatwave means for the tiny creatures living in those environments? That’s the kind of big-picture science we’re diving into.
Our current project looks at how fruit flies and the parasitic wasps that target them respond to extreme climate events — like heatwaves — and what that means for the whole food web. It’s a unique study involving brilliant collaborators from James Cook University in Australia, UCL, and the Czech Academy of Sciences. If you’re into hands-on lab work and care about the environment, this could be a great fit for you.
Job Details
📍 Location: Oxford (Wytham & possibly Central Oxford) 🕒 Type: Full-time or part-time (minimum 80%) 💼 Contract: Fixed term until 31 December 2025 💰 Salary: £31,459 to £36,616 per year (Grade 5) 📅 Apply by: Friday 27 June 2025, 12 noon
What You’ll Be Doing
This role’s all about getting stuck into real lab work. You’ll be part of a team trying to understand how extreme climate affects biodiversity. Your day-to-day will include:
Running molecular biology tests like DNA extractions
Using PCR and gel electrophoresis
Carefully following lab protocols (don’t worry — we’ll train you up on all the project-specific stuff)
Working mostly at our John Krebs Research Station in Wytham, with potential visits to the brand-new Life and Mind Building in Central Oxford
You’ll be helping us gather the data that could shape how we understand — and maybe even protect — complex food webs in a changing climate.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who’s curious, hands-on, and comfortable in the lab. If you’ve got experience with molecular biology techniques like PCR, DNA extraction, and gels, that’s exactly what we need.
You don’t need to be an expert in the project’s topic (yet!) — what matters most is that you’re detail-oriented, willing to learn, and excited to be part of a collaborative research environment.
A few things we’d love to see:
Lab experience in molecular biology
Strong attention to detail
Someone who enjoys both independent tasks and team projects
A genuine interest in biodiversity, ecology, or climate science
Pay & Perks
Competitive salary: £31,459–£36,616
Flexible working (full-time or part-time – as long as you can commit to at least 29.2 hours/week)
Access to world-class lab facilities and research support
Work at one of the most respected universities in the world
Why You’ll Love It Here
Working on research technician jobs in Oxford means more than just test tubes and lab coats. You’ll be contributing to climate research with real-world impact. You’ll join a passionate team that’s curious, supportive, and constantly learning.
Plus, you’ll be working in a place where your efforts truly matter — from understanding species interactions to helping guide future conservation efforts. And let’s be honest: it’s a pretty great setting, with Wytham Woods right next door and the buzz of Oxford just a stone’s throw away.
How to Apply
If this sounds like your kind of thing, don’t wait too long. Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 27 June 2025. Interviews are expected to take place in early July.
Apply through the University of Oxford’s job portal (just search for Job Ref: 179951). We can’t wait to hear from you!
Diversity & Inclusion Statement
We’re big believers in diverse teams. Different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences help us do better science — and make the workplace better too. Everyone is welcome here, and all applications are reviewed fairly, based on the role’s criteria.
