Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location: Department of Biology, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE

About the role

An exciting opportunity to be part of the multimillion Ineos-Oxford Institute (IOI) for AMR Research within the Department of Biology (University of Oxford). Joining the IOI, Sheppard Lab and PubMLST development team, the researcher will support and analyse large bacterial genome collections to understand the epidemiology and evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in important pathogens.  

The posts will be based at the William Dunn School (South Parks Road Oxford, OX1 3RE), moving to the brand new Life and Mind Building in 2025.

Grade 7, scale point y (£36,024 - £44,263 per annum) – with an Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year (pro rata) to be applied with effect from 1 August 2024 (due to be implemented in the September 2024 payroll and backdated to 1 August 2024) 

A pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,500 per year (pro rata) will be applied to the stated staring salary with effect from 1 August 2024, in addition to the stated starting salary. This will be implemented in the September 2024 payroll, backdated to 1 August 2024.

This is also in addition to any inflationary pay rise which may be agreed nationally through negotiations led by UCEA with the trade unions, which could take effect from 1 August 2024 (backdated if necessary).

Further details of how these changes to pay will be applied will be shared with the successful candidate in due course.

About you

The successful candidate will develop and apply genome analysis pipelines to understand the evolution of host adaptation and antimicrobial resistance in important bacterial pathogens including E. coli. Bioinformatics techniques will include database-driven analyses and quantitative comparative genomics approaches. They will hold, or be close to completion of, a degree in a relevant subject (e.g. microbiology, bioinformatics, genomics) and have bioinformatics and genome analysis experience. They will also have interest in genomics and bioinformatics and demonstrable enthusiasm for the projects.

While being independent researchers able to take the initiative, they will also work closely with other researchers within the Sheppard Lab and the IOI, to integrate their work within the broader research programme. With excellent communication skills, applicants will be able to write for publication, present research proposals and results, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, and represent the research team at meetings and conferences. 

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system (via the 'Apply' button above), and should include the application letter, a CV, a list addressing the job criteria, and names of two academic references.

Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement.

This is a 12 month full-time fixed term post until October/November 2025 in the first instance, with options to extend. 

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 11 September 2024 

Further information:

Ineos Oxford Institute: www.ineosoxford.ox.ac.uk/evolution-amr 

Department of Biology: www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/samuel-sheppard

Sheppardlab: https://sheppardlab.com/

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

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