Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Computational Biology

Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Computational Biology

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Computational Biology to join the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG). Working within a pioneering multidisciplinary research programme, you will contribute to the development of innovative computational and systems biology approaches to uncover the mechanisms underlying protection against infectious diseases and vaccine‑induced immunity. By integrating complex datasets generated through vaccine studies and controlled human infection models (CHIMs), the programme aims to accelerate vaccine discovery through the application of systems immunology and artificial intelligence.

The postholder will lead the development and application of advanced computational methodologies to analyse high-dimensional biological datasets, including single‑cell transcriptomics, spatial omics, proteomics and other multi‑omics platforms. You will independently design and implement bioinformatics pipelines, develop statistical and machine learning models, and integrate immunological, microbiological and clinical datasets to identify immune signatures associated with protection and vaccine immunogenicity. You will also contribute to the analysis of public datasets, optimise computational workflows, and ensure analyses are reproducible, robust, and aligned with best practice in research data management.

Working closely with immunologists, clinicians, microbiologists and data scientists, you will play a central role in translating complex biological data into actionable insights that inform vaccine development. The role offers substantial scope for scientific independence and leadership, including developing new research directions, contributing to grant applications, supervising students and junior researchers, and leading the dissemination of research through high‑impact publications and presentations at international conferences.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology. The Oxford Vaccine Group is a world‑leading academic research group conducting clinical and translational studies to advance vaccine development working with a diverse portfolio funded by industry, government and charitable organisations.

This position is offered full‑time on a fixed‑term contract initially for 3 years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. This role meets the criteria for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward‑thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees.

These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

You will hold a PhD/DPhil in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics or a closely related discipline
, with significant post‑qualification research experience and the expertise to independently design, develop and apply computational approaches to the analysis of complex biological datasets. You will have strong technical proficiency in bioinformatics, statistical analysis and programming using R and Python, with experience analysing high‑throughput omics datasets and a track record of high‑quality publications. You will be able to manage your own research activities and contribute intellectually and technically to the work of others, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Experience in systems immunology, vaccine research, machine learning, or the development of novel computational methods for translational biomedical research is highly desirable.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.