Research Assistant in Microbial Genomics

Economics Network; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Population Health (Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford) seeks a Research Assistant to join the gonococcal genomics research team. The role focuses on Neisseria gonorrhoeae, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), vaccine antigen diversity and pathogen evolution.

You will manage and analyze whole-genome sequence data, develop bioinformatics workflows, curate datasets and interpret results, contributing to manuscripts and dissemination activities within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in bioinformatics, microbiology, genomics, biology, computer science or closely related field.
• Experience analysing biological/genomic datasets using computational methods.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix command-line environments and scripting (Python/R/Bash).
• Knowledge of microbial genomics and bacterial WGS and experience with bioinformatics workflows.

Responsibilities

• Manage and analyse whole-genome sequence data.
• Develop and apply bioinformatics workflows to annotate AMR determinants and antigen genes.
• Analyze genomic diversity, population structure and evolutionary patterns.
• Curate and quality-control genomic datasets and metadata.
• Prepare summaries, figures and reports for meetings/publications.
• Contribute to manuscripts and conference presentations.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genomics

Python

R

Linux/Unix

Population genomics

High-performance computing

Education

Degree in bioinformatics, microbiology, genomics, biology, computer science or related

Tools

Genome annotation tools

Variant calling tools

Job description

Location: Oxford Population Health (Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford), Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join our gonococcal genomics research team within the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford.

This is an exciting opportunity for an early career researcher with a background in bioinformatics, microbiology, genomics, biology, computer science or a related field to contribute to research investigating Neisseria gonorrhoeae, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), vaccine antigen diversity and pathogen evolution. The appointee will work closely with members of a multidisciplinary research team, using a collection of more than 60,000 gonococcal genomes to support large-scale genomic analyses with direct relevance to AMR surveillance and vaccine development.

The main responsibilities will include managing and analysing whole-genome sequence data, developing and applying bioinformatics workflows to annotate antimicrobial resistance determinants and vaccine antigen genes, and conducting analyses of genomic diversity, population structure and evolutionary patterns. The postholder will curate and quality control genomic datasets and associated metadata, interpret analytical results, and prepare summaries, figures and reports for research meetings and publications. Additional duties will include contributing to manuscripts, conference presentations and other dissemination activities, working with researchers across the group and external collaborators, and supporting wider academic activities within the Department, including teaching, student mentoring and supervision where appropriate.

You will hold a degree in bioinformatics, microbiology, genomics, biology, computer science or a closely related discipline, and have experience analysing biological or genomic datasets using computational methods. You will have familiarity with Linux/Unix command-line environments and scripting languages such as Python, R or Bash, together with knowledge of microbial genomics and/or bacterial whole-genome sequencing and experience using bioinformatics software and data analysis workflows. You will also have excellent organisational and communication skills, the ability to manage your own research and administrative activities, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team. Experience with bacterial population or comparative genomics, antimicrobial resistance prediction or bacterial genome annotation tools, large-scale genomic datasets or high-performance computing environments would be advantageous.

This role is based in Oxford, and offered on a full-time basis. It is a fixed-term post for 12 months.

The closing date for applications isnoon on 12 October 2026.

£35,681 to £41,636 per annum