PostDoc Research Fellow: Infectious disease / Global Health

About us

The UCL Centre for Clinical Microbiology (CCM) has secured funding from the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) to support two programmes, PRESERVE and SPHERE-AFRICA, which aim to strengthen infectious disease research, epidemic preparedness, and public health capacity across Africa.

PRESERVE, led by Prof Francine Ntoumi (Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Republic of the Congo), focuses on building resilient clinical research and epidemic preparedness networks in Central Africa through a One Health approach. CCM contributes expertise in molecular diagnostics, infectious disease epidemiology, research training, and investigator mentorship.

SPHERE-AFRICA, led by Prof Peter Nyasulu (Stellenbosch University, South Africa), aims to improve epidemic preparedness in Sub-Saharan Africa by strengthening epidemiology and data science capacity. CCM supports training in infectious diseases and bioinformatics.

Together, these programmes enhance African and regional capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Infectious Disease/Global Health to support research and training across the PRESERVE and SPHERE-AFRICA networks. The successful candidate will contribute to infectious disease research, laboratory and surveillance capacity building, epidemic preparedness initiatives, and international collaborations. The role includes research, training, student supervision, laboratory support, and collaboration with partners across Africa and Europe, with opportunities for international travel.

About you

You will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in microbiology, virology, immunology or a related discipline and have experience conducting research within infectious diseases, molecular biology and/or global health settings.You will bring strong bioinformatics expertise, including experience analysing high-throughput sequencing data, proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, Linux/Unix command-line skills, and the ability to develop reproducible analytical workflows. Experience with infectious disease laboratory techniques, sequencing technologies and biological data analysis is essential.We are looking for an excellent communicator who can work effectively with international collaborators, contribute to training and capacity-building activities, and present comp lex scientific information to a range of audiences. Knowledge of GCP/GCLP, health and safety requirements for working with hazardous pathogens, and a commitment to inclusivity, diversity and collaborative working will be key to success in this role

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details. Please also read the attached Candidate Guidance document.

All applications must include a supporting statement, telling us, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Applications without a supporting statement will be rejected.

If you have any queries about the role or application process, technical issues, or need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, please contact the staffing team.

What we offer

As well as exciting career opportunities, UCL offers an excellent benefits package, including 41 days’ leave, a generous pension scheme, family-friendly policies, wellbeing support, and a range of travel, lifestyle and healthcare benefits. Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits for more information.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. Our department also holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of its commitment to advancing gender equality.

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