Two Postdoctoral Researchers: The deadly enigma of melioidosis: Decoding the pathogenesis of Burkholderia pseudomallei

Magdalen College proposes to appoint two Postdoctoral Researchers in its Calleva Research Centre to work on the project The deadly enigma of melioidosis: Decoding the pathogenesis of Burkholderia pseudomallei. The post  will commence on 1 October 2026 and will be for  three years. 

This project falls under the Calleva Research Centre’s interest in addressing the threat posed to humanity by bacterial infections. Each postholder will lead defined and complementary components of this collaborative, multidisciplinary programme. The overall aim is to provide new mechanistic insight on the virulence mechanisms of Burkholderia pseudomallei and related species. Specific aims include the investigation of uncharacterised virulence factors and the analysis of host factors that influence the outcome of infection. The project, led by Dr Thurston (Fellow at Magdalen College, University of Oxford, https://thurstonlab.com/) includes collaborative efforts with Professor Dunachie (University of Oxford) on virulence factor antibody and T-cell immunogenicity, Dr Kronsteiner-Dobramysl (University of Oxford) on the impact of diabetes and the integration of new genomics data emerging from Dr Chewapreecha  (the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok). The postholders may spend time in the collaborators’ laboratory. For this reason, an interest and ability to work collaboratively is important.

Post A

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher who wishes to investigate uncharacterised virulence factors of Burkholderia pseudomallei. The postholder will integrate bioinformatics, biochemistry, immunology and structural biology to investigate the bacterial drivers of pathogenesis from the atomic to physiological level. 

Post B

For this post, we seek a driven Postdoctoral Researcher who wishes to use bioinformatics, mammalian genetics and cell & molecular biology to understand the host immune responses that restrict Burkholderia.

Postholders will deliver rigorous and innovative experimental research and contribute intellectually to programme development. It is expected that the postholders will produce robust, reproducible and publishable findings. Postdocs will benefit from the opportunity to work together with collaborators and will be encouraged to broaden connections across academia.

This is a three-year fixed-term position.

The location of the job will be in Oxford. The appointed Postdoctoral Researchers will be based in the Thurston laboratory, at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology.

The appointments will be made on Grade 7.4 of the Unified College Pay Scale, currently £41,064 per annum, plus £1,730 per annum Oxford Location Allowance.

The appointment includes five free meals (lunch or dinner) in College each week that the kitchen is open, membership of the College’s Senior Common Room, and access to generous research funds.

Details of how to apply and further particulars are available by clicking the 'Apply' button above.

The closing date is Sunday 07 June 2026, and applications must be completed at or before that time. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Magdalen College is an equal opportunities employer. Further information can be obtained from the College web site, at www.magd.ox.ac.uk/equality.

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