Postdoctoral Research Assistant in AI

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford's Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health invites applications for a 2-year fixed-term role in the PANDAI (European Pandemics AI Observatory) programme. You will develop and evaluate AI/ML methods on large-scale multimodal datasets to support pandemic preparedness across Europe.

Applicants should have a PhD/DPhil in ML/AI/CS/epidemiology, strong Python skills, experience with real-world datasets, and a track record of publications.

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil in ML/AI/CS/epidemiology or related quantitative field.
• Experience conducting independent AI/data science research.
• Strong Python programming and ML framework skills.
• Experience with large-scale real-world datasets and publications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate AI/ML methods on large-scale multimodal datasets for pandemic preparedness.
• Contribute to epidemiology-informed foundation models, predictive analytics, and generative AI.
• Collaborate with international partners across Europe and beyond; analyze complex health data.
• Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports and funding proposals.
• Present research at conferences and stakeholder events; manage your own research activities.

Skills

Python

Machine learning

Research experience

Publications

Education

PhD in ML

Tools

ML frameworks

Job description

UK date and time: 11-September-2026 03:05

Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health and Information Discovery, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF

The PANDAI (European Pandemics AI Observatory) programme is a Horizon Europe-funded international research initiative developing advanced artificial intelligence methods for pandemic preparedness, outbreak detection, forecasting, risk assessment, monitoring, and public health response across Europe and beyond. Working alongside leading academic institutions, healthcare organisations, public health agencies, technology partners, and the World Health Organization. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment at the forefront of AI and global public health.

In this role, you will develop and evaluate novel AI and machine learning methods using large-scale multimodal datasets, contributing to epidemiology-informed foundation models, predictive analytics, and generative AI approaches for pandemic preparedness and response. You will collaborate with international partners across Europe and beyond, analyse complex health and surveillance data, contribute to scientific publications, technical reports and funding proposals, and present your research at conferences and stakeholder events. Alongside managing your own research activities, you will work closely with researchers, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health professionals to develop robust, transparent, and reproducible AI tools that support public health policy and decision-making.

To be successful in this role, you will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD/DPhil in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer science, epidemiology, health data science, or a related quantitative discipline. You must have experience with conducting independent research in AI or data science. You will have strong programming skills in Python and modern machine learning frameworks, experience working with large-scale real-world datasets, and a track record of contributing to scientific publications or conference presentations.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 2 years and is funded byThe European Union under Horizon Europe.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 21 September 2026 will be considered. Please quote187800on all correspondence.

Salary (£) : Research Grade 7: Salary in range £39,424 - £47,779 per annum (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).