Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a dynamic research group focused on pathogen evolution. This full-time position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, and data science, contributing to important projects with implications for public health and pandemic preparedness. You will engage in method development, data analysis, and collaborative research, while also having the chance to mentor junior researchers. If you are passionate about advancing our understanding of viral evolution and its health impacts, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in evolutionary biology and bioinformatics.
• Proven track record in data analysis and method development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on pathogen molecular evolution.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers in the lab.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Data Science

Viral Sequence Analysis

AI-based Prediction Tools

Education

PhD in Biology or related field

Tools

Statistical Software

Bioinformatics Tools

Job description

Location: Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, OX1 3SY and The Life and Mind Building, Oxford OX1 3PS

Salary: Researcher Grade 7.1 – 7.8: £38,674 - £46,913 p.a. inclusive of an Oxford University weighting

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Ghafari Research Group in the Department of Biology, University of Oxford. The group focuses on studying the mode and tempo of pathogen molecular evolution, particularly in viruses with epidemic and pandemic potential, as well as those with significant implications for plant and animal health.

This post is part of a Wellcome Trust-funded project to develop a systematic framework for reconstructing the evolutionary histories of pathogens. The role involves using viral sequence data and models of sequence evolution to investigate both methodological and biological factors—such as the choice of substitution models, site saturation, and the role of selection, mutation, and recombination—that shape evolutionary rate estimates. A key goal is to understand how these factors influence the accuracy of outbreak origin dating, patterns of virus-host associations, and the evolutionary signals underlying the emergence of novel pathogen variants. Structural analyses of viral proteins using AI-based prediction tools will also be integrated to support evolutionary inference.

This work lies at the intersection of evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, and data science, with applications to public and veterinary health, therapeutic development, and pandemic preparedness. You will contribute to method development, data analysis, and collaborative projects, and will have opportunities to supervise and mentor junior researchers.

Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement.

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

This post is full time and available immediately.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 30th May, interviews are likely to be scheduled for mid June. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online through our e-recruitment system (via the ‘Apply’ button above), and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.

£38,674 to £46,913. Grade 7.1 – 7.8 p.a.