Professor of Clinical and Diagnostic Virology

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Oxford is seeking a Professor of Clinical and Diagnostic Virology to lead a research group focused on developing innovative diagnostics for viral infectious diseases. The ideal candidate will have a PhD/DPhil and significant senior-level experience, alongside a track record of impactful research. This full-time role offers a five-year fixed-term contract with attractive support for research initiatives.

Benefits

Attractive support package

Support for recruitment of research posts

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in virology or diagnostic science.
• Extensive experience in diagnostic evaluation for viral infectious diseases.
• Proven track record of leadership and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Clinical and Diagnostic Virology group focusing on diagnostics.
• Develop end-to-end capability for viral diagnostics.
• Translate research into practical diagnostic tools.

Skills

Translational research

Leadership

Research publication

Education

PhD/DPhil in Virology or Diagnostic Science

Job description

Overview

We are recruiting for a Professor of Clinical and Diagnostic Virology to join the Pandemic Sciences Institute (PSI), part of the Nuffield Department of Medicine. This is a new and exciting senior role, created as part of a strategic investment in a diagnostic innovation cluster within the PSI.

You will be responsible for leading a Clinical and Diagnostic Virology group within the PSI, with a focus on the development, optimisation, and evaluation of novel, scalable, and affordable diagnostics for viral infectious diseases. This post will enable PSI to deliver an end-to-end capability for developing and assessing diagnostics for emerging and epidemic-prone infectious diseases, and help establish PSI as a global leader in diagnostic innovation. You will also contribute to the broader PSI expertise, which includes basic virology, lateral flow device development, and nanoscience technologies.

You will play a critical role in translating cutting-edge research into practical diagnostic tools, including clinical and field evaluations to support technology licensure. You will be encouraged to develop your own research interests aligned with PSI’s scope, which may include novel diagnostic technologies, causal association and diagnostic inference, virology for clinical trials (e.g., anti-viral pharmacodynamics), and serology or immunodiagnostics. The role includes support for establishing and resourcing a dedicated research team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Clinical and Diagnostic Virology group within the PSI, focusing on development, optimisation, and evaluation of diagnostics for viral infectious diseases.
• Develop an end-to-end capability for developing and assessing diagnostics for emerging and epidemic-prone infectious diseases.
• Contribute to PSI expertise in basic virology, lateral flow device development, and nanoscience technologies.
• Translate research into practical diagnostic tools, including clinical and field evaluations to support technology licensure.
• Develop and support a dedicated research team and contribute to its resourcing.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD/DPhil and significant senior-level experience; recognised international authority in virology or diagnostic science with an impactful portfolio of research publications.
• Strong interest in translational research with extensive experience in diagnostic evaluation for viral infectious diseases.
• Proven track record of scientific breakthroughs, leadership, and mentorship; ability to build and manage a high-performing research group.

Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Appointment

• This post is available as either a clinical or a non-clinical position.
• If appointed to a clinical post, you must be medically qualified, hold MRCP(UK) or an equivalent qualification, have a Certificate of Specialist Training (CCT) in a relevant clinical specialty, and be registered with the GMC with a licence to practise and be on the Specialist Register.
• You will be expected to participate in clinical activities as an NHS honorary consultant.

Additional Details

• The post comes with an attractive support package, including support for the recruitment of research posts and costs to develop the Clinical and Diagnostic Virology group.
• Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.
• This position is offered full time on a fixed-term contract for 5 years.
• Only applications received before 12 midday on 20 October 2025 will be considered. Please quote 180699 on all correspondence.
• Grade RSIV: Competitive