Senior Group Leader in Clinical and Diagnostic Virology

NUFFIELD DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD; Oxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical research institute in Oxford is seeking a Senior Group Leader in Clinical and Diagnostic Virology to spearhead innovative diagnostics for viral diseases. This full-time role involves leading a dynamic research group and translating cutting-edge research into practical diagnostic tools. Candidates should possess a PhD and significant experience in virology or diagnostic science, along with a strong publication record. This position is crucial for advancing diagnostic innovation within a prestigious program.

Benefits

Attractive support package

Opportunity for professorship

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in virology or diagnostic science.
• Proven scientific breakthroughs and impactful publications.
• Experience in building and managing a high-performing research group.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Clinical and Diagnostic Virology group within PSI.
• Develop, optimise, and evaluate diagnostics for viral infectious diseases.
• Translate research into practical diagnostic tools.

Skills

Leadership and mentorship

Translational research

Diagnostic evaluation

Strong publication record

Virology expertise

Education

PhD/DPhil

Job description

Overview

We are recruiting for a Senior Group Leader in 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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will hold a PhD/DPhil and have significant senior-level experience, as well as be a recognised international authority in virology or diagnostic science, supported by a demonstrable and impactful portfolio of research publications. You will have a strong interest in translational research and extensive experience in diagnostic evaluation for viral infectious diseases. You will also demonstrate a proven track record of scientific breakthroughs, leadership, and mentorship, with the ability to build and manage a high-performing research group.

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.

Remuneration and Appointment

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. It carries the job title of Associate Professor and the successful candidate will be supported to make an application for the title of Professor if appropriate.

Application Process

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 in the first instance.

Important Dates

Only applications received before 12 midday on 3 November 2025 will be considered. Please quote 180699 on all correspondence.

This position is now closed and expiry applies to applications after the stated deadline.