Sarthak Sahoo

I am a Research Assistant at the Oxford Vaccine Group, University of Oxford, where I contribute to clinical and preclinical vaccine research with a focus on infectious disease immunology. My background spans microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and I am particularly interested in the interplay between host immunity and bacterial pathogens.

Since joining OVG, I have supported multiple vaccine studies, working within CL2 and CL3 facilities to process human samples under GLP and HTA-compliant protocols. My technical expertise includes serum bactericidal assays, ELISA, ELISPOT, and microbiome profiling, alongside in vivo preclinical studies using murine models under a Home Office Personal Licence. I also play an active role in the operational side of clinical trials, including sample logistics, biobanking, and cross-functional liaison with quality assurance and trial management teams.

Prior to joining Oxford, I gained diagnostic and supervisory experience in ISO-accredited laboratories at the University of Glasgow, where I led laboratory workstations, trained junior staff, and maintained quality control systems during the COVID-19 response. My academic training includes an MSc in Biotechnology (Commendation) from Nottingham Trent University, with a research focus on antimicrobial resistance and phage therapy, supported by in-silico analysis.

I am passionate about translational science and committed to contributing to high-impact research that informs vaccine design and global public health. I am particularly motivated by interdisciplinary collaboration and strive to integrate both wet-lab and computational techniques in my work. I was recently recognised with the Award for Excellence (2025) by the University of Oxford for outstanding performance.