Research Assistant in Microbial Genomics

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Family leave schemes

Cycle and electric car loan schemes

Employee Assistance Programme

Social and sports clubs

Discounted bus travel

Coffee mornings and social events

Job summary

Oxford Population Health, part of the University of Oxford, seeks a Research Assistant in Microbial Genomics to join a gonococcal genomics team. You will analyse whole-genome sequences, develop workflows to annotate antimicrobial resistance determinants and vaccine antigens, and study diversity, population structure and evolution.

The role involves data curation, result interpretation, and preparing figures, reports, and manuscripts.

Qualifications

• Degree in bioinformatics, microbiology, genomics, biology, or related field.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix and scripting (Python, R, Bash).
• Experience with microbial genomics and genome analyses is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and analyse whole-genome sequence data for gonococcal studies.
• Develop and apply bioinformatics workflows to annotate AMR determinants and vaccine genes.
• Analyze genomic diversity, population structure and evolutionary patterns.
• Curate datasets, interpret results, and prepare summaries for meetings and publications.
• Contribute to manuscripts, talks, and dissemination activities; mentor/ supervise where appropriate.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Microbiology

Genomics

Python

R

Bash

Linux/Unix

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics

Bachelor's degree in microbiology

Bachelor's degree in genomics

Tools

Bioinformatics software

High-performance computing

Workflow management

Job description

UK date and time: 24-September-2026 13:13

Research Assistant in Microbial Genomics

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.

In return we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 38 days annual leave (pro rata for part time)
• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle and electric car loan schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Membership to social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and travel loans
• Weekly coffee and cake mornings, and social events throughout the year

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 is noon on 12 October 2026.