Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Computational Biology

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Computational Biology to join the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG). Working within a pioneering multidisciplinary research programme, you will contribute to the development of innovative computational and systems biology approaches to uncover the mechanisms underlying protection against infectious diseases and vaccine-induced immunity. By integrating complex datasets generated through vaccine studies and controlled human infection models (CHIMs), the programme aims to accelerate vaccine discovery through the application of systems immunology and artificial intelligence.

The postholder will lead the development and application of advanced computational methodologies to analyse high-dimensional biological datasets, including single-cell transcriptomics, spatial omics, proteomics and other multi-omics platforms. You will independently design and implement bioinformatics pipelines, develop statistical and machine learning models, and integrate immunological, microbiological and clinical datasets to identify immune signatures associated with protection and vaccine immunogenicity. You will also contribute to the analysis of public datasets, optimise computational workflows, and ensure analyses are reproducible, robust, and aligned with best practice in research data management.

Working closely with immunologists, clinicians, microbiologists and data scientists, you will play a central role in translating complex biological data into actionable insights that inform vaccine development. The role offers substantial scope for scientific independence and leadership, including developing new research directions, contributing to grant applications, supervising students and junior researchers, and leading the dissemination of research through high-impact publications and presentations at international conferences

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 3 years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. This role meets the criteria for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

About the department

Please visit our  website to find out more about the Department.

About you

You will hold a PhD/DPhil in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics or a closely related discipline, with significant post-qualification research experience and the expertise to independently design, develop and apply computational approaches to the analysis of complex biological datasets. You will have strong technical proficiency in bioinformatics, statistical analysis and programming using R and Python, with experience analysing high-throughput omics datasets and a track record of high-quality publications. You will be able to manage your own research activities and contribute intellectually and technically to the work of others, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. Experience in systems immunology, vaccine research, machine learning, or the development of novel computational methods for translational biomedical research is highly desirable. 

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 20 July 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

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