Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Molecular Microbiology and Vaccine Development

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford’s Sir William Dunn School of Pathology seeks a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to study human bacterial pathogens and vaccine development. Join Professor Christoph Tang's team in Oxford, contributing to understanding pathogenesis and plasmid biology with multidisciplinary approaches.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in molecular microbiology or biochemistry, with experience in molecular bacteriology, plasmid biology, and bioinformatics, plus excellent communication and

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in molecular microbiology or biochemistry.
• Experience in molecular bacteriology, plasmid biology and bioinformatics (gonococcus).
• Strong record-keeping and ability to manage research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research under supervision of Professor Tang.
• Join an interactive group applying multidisciplinary approaches to infections and vaccine development.
• Develop interventions for prevention or treatment of bacterial infections.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Data management

Communication skills

Project management

Education

PhD in molecular microbiology or biochemistry

Tools

LabArchives

Job description

UK date and time: 26-September-2026 13:07

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Molecular Microbiology and Vaccine Development

Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join Professor Christoph Tang's research group based at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology. We aim to understand how human specific bacteria colonise niches in the body, evade elimination by the immune system, and cause disease. We study various organisms that are leading causes of disease, including Neisseria*, Shigella*, and pathogenic E. coli. The group is interested in defining the mechanisms of pathogenesis and the mechanisms of plasmid biology with the long-term aim of applying these findings to the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

You will be responsible for conducting high-quality research under supervision of Professor Tang.You will join an interactive, dynamic group applying multidisciplinary approaches to understand and tackle infections caused by human bacterial pathogens.The post holder will develop interventions for the prevention or treatment of bacterial infections.

The successful candidate should hold, or be close to completion of, PhD/DPhil in molecular microbiology or biochemistry. You must have relevant experience in molecular bacteriology, plasmid biology and bioinformatics, specifically with the gonococcus. You should be able to maintain accurate and detailed records and have experience using LabArchives software. Excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage research projects, are essential.

This is a fixed-term appointment available for 2 years.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday on 7 October 2026. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

At the Dunn School we are committed to supporting the professional and career development of our postdocs and research staff. To help them thrive and achieve their ambitions, we have created a comprehensive range of opportunities and initiatives designed to provide an exceptional launchpad for their future careers.