Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research (KTRR) Group Leader in Microbiome Studies

Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7FY

This is a full time, fixed term position for 5 years. 

The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology (KIR) is seeking to recruit an exceptional individual to lead a new research group in microbiome science related to an area of high strategic interest for the Institute. Complementing the KIR’s existing strengths, the new Group Leader will build a significant research group focused on the human microbiome. They will bring expertise in studying microbe-microbe and/or microbe-host interactions relevant to human health and disease through the application of either computational or laboratory-based approaches. 

In this role you will initiate and lead a long-term, collaborative research programme, developing new avenues of research, concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding as well as manage substantial research resources and budgets. You will develop ideas for generating research income and promoting the research area and write funding applications for specific avenues of independent research as well as contribute to establishing the strategic direction and setting standards for the work of the wider group. You will be responsible for obtaining competitive funding for salary and research support from appropriate government, charity and private organisations and will play a key role in the development of strategic funding bids in collaboration with colleagues at the Institute and partner institutions.  

You must hold a relevant PhD/DPhil or post-graduate medical degree (M.D.) with significant post-qualification research experience. You will have a record of outstanding accomplishment with an established international reputation and publication record that demonstrates international authority in human microbiome research. You must possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies together with a track record of success in competitive funding e.g. holding competitive studentships, fellowships, project grants and programme grants.

Experience of leading research programmes, including setting the strategic direction as well as experience of providing specialist advice to external industry, universities or research councils and/or direct participation in entrepreneurial activity are desirable.

Due to the nature of the research at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, this job will require additional security pre-employment checks:

• A satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service check
• University security screening (eg identity checks) due to the nature of the work at the Kennedy Institute 

Please note, due to departmental closure over the Christmas period, shortlisting and interviews for this position will take place in January 2026.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 22nd December 2025. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. Please quote 183704 in all correspondence.

Contact Person: NDORMS Recruitment

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 9

Contact Email: recruitment@ndorms.ox.ac.uk

Salary (£): Salary in the range of £56,623-£65,336 per annum

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