Bioinformatician

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Bioinformatician to join the Oxford Vaccine Group in the Department of Paediatrics. The role involves analyzing the human microbiome's response to antibiotics and contributing to innovative health research. Candidates should have a PhD/DPhil in a relevant field and strong analytical skills. This full-time position is fixed-term until July 2027, with possibilities for extension depending on funding.

Qualifications

• Proven analytical skills in metagenomic data analysis.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to understanding the human microbiome in relation to antibiotic treatment.
• Link genes underlying antimicrobial resistance to their bacterial reservoirs.
• Work within the Medical Sciences Division, focusing on child health research.

Skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Collaborative work

Education

PhD/DPhil in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Mathematics, or Microbiology

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Oxford Vaccine Group in the Department of Paediatrics as our Bioinformatician.

You will play an important role in contributing to our efforts to understand the human microbiome and how this is impacted by antibiotic treatment. A side effect of antimicrobial treatment targeted at harmful bacteria, is the disruption of the "healthy" bacteria - leading to a rise in antimicrobial-resistant genes and providing a niche for harmful bacteria. The goal of this research is to optimise the appropriate use of antibiotic treatment strategies to effectively treat infections while avoiding the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Join our talented team of researchers dedicated to advancing global health through innovative quantitative methods. We work at the forefront of clinical trials and observational studies, collaborating with leading national and international organisations to shape vaccine strategies and public health policies. Our team played a pivotal role in the design and analysis of the landmark ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) trial, contributing to its World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing (EUL) and emergency authorisations worldwide.

If you are passionate about conducting high-impact research that drives meaningful change, we encourage you to apply.

You will exploit a ground-breaking long-read sequencing metagenomic approaches to link the genes underlying AMR to their bacteria reservoir; consequently, revealing targets for future therapeutic inventions such as vaccines. Your work will contribute to the broader objectives of the quantitative research team, as well as to the mission of the Oxford Vaccine Group-advancing health and wellbeing through immunisation.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract until 31/07/2027, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

Requirements

You will hold (or close to completion) a PhD/DPhil in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Mathematics, or microbiology with proven and demonstrable analytical skills, including in the analysis of metagenomic data. You will have highly effective verbal and written communication skills with all levels of staff and an ability to operate effectively in a demanding and collaborative research environment.