Apprentice Clinical Trial Laboratory Technician

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join the University of Oxford as an Apprentice Clinical Trial Laboratory Technician in the Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics.

The Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG) are seeking an enthusiastic individual, keen to develop skills for a career in vaccine trial delivery to help prevent diseases cause by current and emerging pathogens.

The purpose of this role is to provide a learning experience for the individual to acquire skills essential in supporting the conduct of laboratory procedures associated with clinical trials of important new vaccines targeting viral and bacterial infections.  The main responsibility will be to learn the aspects of the daily trial administration, sample processing, archiving of global sample collections, understanding how samples are tested once obtained from the many different trials, including ongoing trials with COVID vaccines, Pertussis vaccines, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and None Typable Salmonella vaccines, as well as Human Typhoid/Paratyphoid Challenge studies.  There will be opportunities to support the research of Post-Doctoral Scientists, DPhil and MSc students, whilst obtaining extensive training in working to Good Clinical and Laboratory Practice standards, HTA guidelines and MHRA regulations.  You will be working in Containment Level 2.  The ideal candidate would learn to work independently, manage their own time and be proactive, participate in meetings and have good communication skills and attention to detail.

OVG conducts world-leading research into creating new and optimising existing vaccines for children and adults. Our research has led to the much-anticipated introduction of the Meningitis B vaccine for babies into the UK vaccination schedule, and we have been extensively involved in first in human trials of new vaccines to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the Ebola Virus and run internationally renowned Human Challenge Models of Enteric diseases such as Typhoid and Paratyphoid.

This is a readvertisement of 170030. Previous applicants need not reapply. 

About the apprenticeship

As part of this role, you will undertake an Apprenticeship with CSR Scientific Training , where you will complete a  Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.

For this apprenticeship, you will work four days each week at the Department of Paediatrcs, Oxford Vaccine Group at the Centre for Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, The Churchill Hospital, Headington OX3 7LE. As part of your apprenticeship, on one day each week you will be required to attend  weekly online lessons, with some face to face practical elements in Sutton Coldfield (reasonable travel costs will be covered).

In total, it will take 2 years to complete all elements of the apprenticeship, with support from the Department, University and training provider throughout.

Becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and training. For more information, please click  

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About you

You will be passionate about starting your career in Clinical Trial Laboratory support and excited about the opportunity of becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford. You may be starting your career or you may be looking for a career change.

To complete the level 3 apprenticeship you will need to evidence passes at  9-4 or A*-C in GCSE Maths and English. It would be preferable for candidates to have achieved 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE Science as well.

If you did not achieve these grades, do not let that put you off from applying as you can study Functional Skills as part of the apprenticeship giving you the equivalent qualifications needed. To help check that you have the potential to achieve these, The training provider, CSR Scientific Training will ask you to complete a short initial assessment during the application process. There are also government residency requirements for Apprenticeship funding which the Training Provider will be able to advise on.

What we offer

Our apprentices are never on their own, you will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region.

We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.

Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their Apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career.

You will receive 38 days’ annual leave inclusive of Bank Holiday and fixed closure dates, discounted travel, an excellent contributory pension scheme, and student discount. You will also be part of the University’s annual apprenticeship awards.

Contact us and apply

You will be required to complete our online application form. Click  

 for guidance on applying for a University Apprenticeship.

If you would like further information or support in your application, please contact:

Dr Elizabeth Clutterbuck – Recruiting Manager – [email protected]

David Diamond – CSR Scientific Training – [email protected]

Only online applications received before 12:00 midday on Friday 8 March 2024 will be considered.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter, provisionally the week commencing 18 March 2024, with a view to the apprenticeship starting in April 2024.