Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for an ERC Advanced project studying the evolutionary biology of antibiotic resistance, led by Craig MacLean.

The postholder will manipulate the genomes of laboratory and clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to uncover mechanisms of adaptation to antibiotic treatment. This will include genes involved in interactions between bacterial strains and genes that drive responses to antibiotic treatment in simple and complex bacterial populations.

The postholder will work as part of a large team, including computational and experimental postdocs, PhD students and a research assistant, with access to cutting-edge experimental and computational facilities in the newly opened Life and Mind Building. The postholder will also have the opportunity to interact regularly with collaborating researchers in Oxford and across Europe.

This post is full time and available immediately.

About you

This position provides an excellent opportunity for ambitious researchers interested in applying experimental genetic methods to understand the evolutionary drivers of antibiotic resistance as part of a diverse and friendly team.

The position is ideally suited to researchers with a background in bacterial genetics and an interest or previous experience in evolutionary biology.

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system. You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 16 October 2026.

Please send enquiries with CV to craig.maclean@biology.ox.ac.uk

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or member of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.