Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biology in Oxford

Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biology in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a pioneering programme to analyse and integrate high-dimensional immunological datasets.
  • Company: Oxford Vaccine Group, a world leader in vaccine research and development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, wellness activities, and support for visa renewals.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for training and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on vaccine discovery using cutting-edge AI and bioinformatics.
  • Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in Bioinformatics or related field with experience in large-scale biological data analysis.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Computational Biology to join the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG) as part of the Correlates of Immunity - Artificial Intelligence (CoI-AI) Programme, a pioneering initiative that integrates controlled human infection models, advanced immunology, and AI-driven analytics to accelerate vaccine discovery.

The postholder will contribute to the systems vaccinology and systems biology workstream of the programme, performing the analysis and integration of high-dimensional immunological and clinical datasets generated from vaccination, natural infection, and controlled human infection studies. The Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Computational Biology will apply established and emerging bioinformatics, statistical modelling, and machine learning approaches to analyse large-scale datasets, including bulk and single-cell sequencing, gene expression arrays, proteomics, and metabolomics.

Working closely with senior computational biologists, immunologists, clinicians, and experimental scientists, you will support study design, data interpretation, and reporting, and contribute to the development of robust, reproducible computational pipelines suitable for downstream integrative and AI-driven discovery. The role includes training PhD students, contributing to grant applications, project planning, and leading the preparation of high-quality publications and presentations within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

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 two years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

About the department: 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 (or be near completion) in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computational Biology, or a closely related discipline, with sufficient specialist knowledge to contribute effectively to an established systems vaccinology or systems biology research programme. You will have demonstrable experience in the analysis of large-scale biological datasets, applying statistical modelling and computational approaches to high-dimensional data such as bulk and single-cell sequencing, gene expression, proteomics, or metabolomics.

You will be able to manage your own research activities, deliver robust and reproducible bioinformatics analyses to deadlines, and communicate results clearly through written reports, publications, and presentations. You will have a collaborative approach, with the flexibility to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams spanning experimental biology, clinical research, and computational science.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biology in Oxford employer: University of Oxford

The Oxford Vaccine Group offers an exceptional environment for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Computational Biology, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture that prioritises professional development and staff wellbeing. With access to cutting-edge research in child health and vaccine development, employees benefit from generous training opportunities, wellness initiatives, and a commitment to gender equality, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of immunology and AI-driven research.

University of Oxford

Contact Details:

University of Oxford Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biology in Oxford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Oxford Vaccine Group. Attend conferences, webinars, or local meetups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work in bioinformatics and computational biology. Include projects that highlight your experience with large-scale datasets and machine learning techniques. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your previous research, how you approach problem-solving, and your experience working in multidisciplinary teams. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the Oxford Vaccine Group. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biology in Oxford

Bioinformatics
Statistical Modelling
Machine Learning
Data Analysis
High-Dimensional Data Analysis
Bulk and Single-Cell Sequencing
Gene Expression Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biology. Highlight your experience with bioinformatics, statistical modelling, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in analysing large-scale datasets.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're excited about this opportunity and how your background fits with our work at the Oxford Vaccine Group. Be specific about your experience with systems biology and how you can contribute to our AI-driven initiatives.

Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:We love teamwork! In your application, mention any experiences where you've worked closely with multidisciplinary teams. This will show us that you can thrive in our collaborative environment and contribute effectively to our research goals.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our department and what we stand for.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of bioinformatics, statistical modelling, and machine learning. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving large-scale datasets like sequencing or proteomics. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.

Show Your Collaborative Spirit

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to multidisciplinary projects, as this will demonstrate your ability to work well with others in a research environment.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions related to computational biology and data analysis. Brush up on relevant methodologies and be ready to explain your thought process when tackling complex problems. Practising with mock interviews can help you articulate your answers clearly and confidently.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the current projects within the Correlates of Immunity - Artificial Intelligence Programme or the department's future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.