Postdoctoral Research Associate in Phylogenomics

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support our projects to understand membrane evolution. The aim of this project is to understand the evolution of the membrane proteome across the tree of life.

The main responsibilities will be to identify ancient gene families that encode membrane proteins and then use a range of phylogenomic methods to understand their ancestry. These analyses will include comparisons from within the Fungi to comparisons stretching back to the last universal common ancestor. You must be able to conduct a range of bioinformatic approaches involving the use of code to conduct complex comparative genomics, implement HMM searching strategies and conduct phylogenetic analysis on a grand scale while making use of sophisticated phylogenetic methods (for example for differential rate correction).

The successful applicant will hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil in bioinformatics, comparative genomics and phylogenetics, together with relevant experience in understanding eukaryotic microbial diversity. You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings are essential.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

This post is full time (although flexibility in the appointment is possible), until 30 June 2027 and available immediately.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 6 March 2026; interviews are likely to be scheduled for mid-March 2026. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.