Laboratory Intern

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. 

OUCRU Nepal’s mission is to have a local, regional and global impact on health by leading a locally driven research programme on infectious diseases.

Since 2003, the research collaboration has evolved and OUCRU Nepal has become a respected and integral part of not just the hospital, but also of the surrounding population of the hospital where most of the research and public health initiatives are undertaken.

For more than two decades, OUCRU Nepal has been dedicated to tackling enteric fever, a major public health concern in the region. Our research has focused on understanding Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi—determining the most effective treatments, mapping the disease’s spatiotemporal distribution and molecular epidemiology, and conducting surveillance studies to guide typhoid vaccine deployment. As we move into the final phase of this work, our attention is now on controlling gallbladder carriage, a persistent reservoir that sustains transmission even in vaccinated populations.

As Nepal faces a rapid and unprecedented rise in Dengue cases, particularly in Kathmandu Valley, our research has expanded to address this emerging threat. We are working to understand the burden of disease, sequence circulating viral strains, and improve diagnostic tools—all essential for developing effective public health responses.

Beyond enteric fever and Dengue, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a growing challenge, affecting the management of infectious diseases across Nepal. OUCRU Nepal is working to establish hospital-based surveillance systems and implement antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs in collaboration with policymakers, ensuring more effective and sustainable antibiotic use.

Looking ahead, we are preparing to expand our work to tuberculosis (TB), focusing on preventive therapeutic strategies through clinical trials. By generating evidence for more effective TB prevention, we aim to contribute to global efforts in reducing its burden.

At the heart of OUCRU Nepal’s mission is clinical research that translates into real-world impact. Through clinical trials and scientific evidence-building, we strive to improve patient care and public health interventions, ensuring that our research directly informs policies and practices that benefit communities in Nepal and beyond.

Please see more information on OUCRU website: www.oucru.org

Assist with Laboratory Procedures: Work closely with senior Microbiologists and scientists to carry out tests, analyses, and experiments.

Sample Collection: Collect various biological specimens such as blood, nasal swabs, and oropharyngeal swabs, as specified by study protocols.

Sample Management: Ensure safe transfer, handling, and storage of samples according to established protocols to maintain integrity.

Equipment Maintenance: Support in the cleaning, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment to ensure operational efficiency.

Data Collection & Documentation: Gather, record, and organize both paper-based and electronic data accurately and legibly, maintaining detailed and up-to-date records in compliance with study protocols.

Safety and Ethics: Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols to maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment. Demonstrate a strong commitment to confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all research activities.

Essential:

• MSc in Biotechnology
• Strong Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols
• Availability to work flexible hours including occasional weekends if needed
• Basic computer skills like data entry, excel, lab software
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Work experience is not required.