| Job title | Research Assistant (Single-Cell Genomics) |
| Group | Tuberculosis Group |
| Location | This post is based at OUCRU Ho Chi Minh City |
| Hours of work | Full-time |
| Tenure | Initially, for 1 year, including a 2-month probation period. The project lasts for 48 months, with the possibility of extension |
| Reporting to | Dr. Le Thanh Hoang Nhat, Data Team leader Dr. Trinh Thi Bich Tram, Molecular Team Leader |
| Vacancy reference | JDHCM-0126-001 |
| Background | The Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) is a large-scale clinical and public health research unit, with sites offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam, Jakarta in Indonesia and Kathmandu in Nepal. In Vietnam, we are hosted by the Hospital of Tropical Diseases (HTD) in Ho Chi Minh City, and the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases (NHTD) in Hanoi. OUCRU Nepal closely collaborates with the National Academy of Medical Sciences in Kathmandu, and OUCRU Indonesia exists in partnership with the University of Indonesia. As a Wellcome Trust Africa Asia Programme, we have received considerable support from the Wellcome Trust since our establishment in 1991. OUCRU’s vision is to have local, regional and global impact on health by leading a locally driven research programme on infectious diseases in Southeast Asia. Priority is given to health issues important to the hospitals where we work, and to the countries as a whole where we operate: Vietnam, Indonesia and Nepal. All work is intended not only to benefit the patients seen daily at our host hospitals, but also to help improve patient care. Please see more information on OUCRU website: www.oucru.org |
| Job summary | The Tuberculosis group’s major research interests are improving TB diagnosis and treatment by carrying out clinical trials of new diagnostic tests and therapeutic approaches. We also aim to understand the mechanisms by which host and pathogen influence disease presentations, treatment responses and outcomes using Omics technologies. As part of a Wellcome-funded Africa–Asia Programmes (AAP) initiative, OUCRU is a core partner in establishing a collaborative single-cell genomics network spanning five Wellcome programmes: MLW, AHRI, KEMRI-Wellcome, OUCRU, MORU and Oxford University. This initiative aims to address the under-representation of African and Southeast Asian populations in global single-cell and human genomics resources, including the Human Cell Atlas. The network will generate population-specific and disease-focused single-cell atlases, build sustainable computational capacity, harmonise analytical standards, and enable cutting-edge infectious disease research in high-burden settings. — Alongside clinical research, micro- and cell-biology we have been expanding our work in omics technologies to better understand disease mechanisms and to bring more precise diagnosis and therapy to patients. We are in collaboration with three hospitals in Vietnam (the Hospital for Tropical Diseases and Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital and National Lung Hospital) and overseas institutions (Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Washington, California, Harvard, Melbourne, Radboud, Stellenbosch) to conduct clinical and laboratory studies. We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support tuberculosis-focused single-cell RNA sequencing research, combining wet-lab single-cell experiments with single-cell data analysis. The postholder will work closely with laboratory scientists, clinicians, and computational biologists to generate, analyse, and interpret single-cell data from TB patient samples. This role provides structured training in single-cell genomics, TB immunology, and data analysis, and is ideal for candidates aiming to develop a career in TB or cell biology research. |
| Key responsibilities and tasks | 1. Wet Lab performance for TB Single-Cell Experiments – Process and prepare cells from clinical samples (e.g. blood, CSF, or tissue-derived immune cells) for single-cell RNA sequencing. – Perform single-cell library preparation workflows following established SOPs. Manage sample tracking and coordination with clinical and microbiology teams. 2. Single-Cell Data Analysis and Presentation – Perform data quality control, cell-type annotation, differential expression, and other downstream analysis using established pipelines. – Analyse additional laboratory or clinical datasets related to TB research as required. Present results at lab meetings and internal discussions. 3. Literature Review and Scientific Support – Review and summarise current literature on TB immunology, single-cell technologies, and host–pathogen interactions. – Collect and organise background information to support data interpretation and hypothesis generation. – Stay updated on emerging methods and findings relevant to TB single-cell research. 4. Manuscript and Research Output Support – Contribute to manuscript preparation, including methods descriptions, figure legends, and supplementary materials. – Assist in organising datasets and analysis outputs for publications. – Support responses to reviewer comments when required. 5. General Research Duties – Participate actively in group meetings, training sessions, and collaborative research activities. – Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the research objectives and training plan. |
| Selection criteria | Essential – Master’s degree in biology, biotechnology, biomedical science, bioinformatics, or a related field. – Basic understanding of tuberculosis biology and/or immunology, or strong interest in TB research. – Experience in single-cell RNA sequencing and data analysis. – Ability to follow laboratory and data analysis protocols accurately. – Willingness to learn bioinformatics and single-cell analysis tools (e.g. R or Python). – Good written and verbal communication skills in English. – Strong organisational skills and ability to work effectively in a team. Desired – Hands-on experience in wet-lab molecular biology (RNA handling, cell processing, library preparation). – Prior exposure to RNA-seq or single-cell data analysis. – Familiarity with R, Python, or basic bioinformatics workflows. – Experience working in TB, infectious diseases, or immunology research projects. |
| Benefits | – Salary ranges: 1,325 – 1,628 USD gross per month – Optional insurance: In-patient and out-patient medical coverage; Personal accident insurance coverage – Two months salary for annual bonus and clothes – Annual leave 18 days/year for the first year, a maximum of 30 days – Other responsibilities and benefits are based on Viet Nam Labor Law. |
| How to apply | Interested candidates are invited to send curriculum vitae, application and copies of relevant certificates, by email to: Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Laboratory of Clinical Science Hospital for Tropical Diseases 764 Vo Van Kiet, Ward 1, District 5, HCMC Tel: 39237954 Email: hr@oucru.org *** We thank all candidates for their interest but only short-listed applicants will be notified for interview. |
| Contact person | Ms Nguyen Thi Hong Phuc |
| Deadline for submission | 06 March 2026 |