Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Microbiology

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join a dynamic, productive, and interdisciplinary research group, based in the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford. A key goal of the project is to understand how fungi and bacteria compete in the mammalian gut and use this to identify communities that inhibit the growth and virulence of the major fungal pathogen Candida albicans.

While the gut microbiome is intensively studied, the fungi have been neglected and yet are critical for the balance between health and disease. To meet this need, the post-holder will carry out research to understand how C. albicans colonises the mammalian gut and interacts with communities of human gut bacteria. Working with a team including microbiologists, theoretical biologists and bioinformaticians, the holder of this position will perform experimental work with Candida and anaerobic gut bacteria from the human gut microbiome, with application of both in-vitro and in-vivo germ-free methods. In addition to research, the post holder will provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group.

The post-holder should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD in microbiology or a related discipline and have an extensive experience in microbial culturing. You should be highly motivated, organised and able to work independently as well as part of a team. Expertise with methods associated with the study of anaerobic microbiome communities and/or the study of C. albicans or a related fungal species are essential.

This is a fixed-term appointment available for 3 years in the first instance with the position available from early 2026. If you are interested in this role, and have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. Informal enquiries could be sent to Prof Kevin Foster via email: kevin.foster@path.ox.ac.uk.

The lab has a strong record of training and nurturing lab members and the great majority of postdoctoral researchers that have been in the labs have gone on to start their own research groups as principal investigators.

Only applications submitted online and received before noon on Friday 30 January 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

At the Dunn School we are committed to supporting the professional and career development of our postdocs and research staff. To help them thrive and achieve their ambitions, we have created a comprehensive range of opportunities and initiatives designed to provide an exceptional launchpad for their future careers.

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