Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Biology

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Senior Postdoctoral Research 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 a defined area of computational biology and bioinformatics research within the programme, developing original research questions and applying advanced computational approaches to analyse and integrate complex clinical, immunological and multi-omic datasets generated through controlled human infection, vaccination and related studies. They will develop and implement new computational and bioinformatic methodologies, including reproducible analytical workflows, statistical and predictive approaches, to investigate immune responses and biological mechanisms associated with protection against infection and vaccination.

Working closely with immunologists, clinicians, microbiologists, statisticians, data scientists and AI specialists, the postholder will provide computational leadership within multidisciplinary research projects, integrating computational and experimental findings to address the programme's scientific objectives. They will have substantial scope for scientific independence, including generating original research ideas, identifying new research opportunities arising from programme datasets and contributing to the development of the programme's computational biology research strategy. The postholder will also provide scientific guidance and supervision to junior researchers and students, contribute to collaborative funding applications, and lead and contribute substantially to the dissemination of research through high-quality peer-reviewed publications, seminars and presentations at scientific 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.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

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

About you

You will hold a PhD/DPhil in computational biology, bioinformatics, biological sciences, statistics, mathematics or a related discipline, with significant post-qualification research experience and the specialist expertise required to independently lead a defined area of computational biology research. You will have substantial experience applying computational and bioinformatic approaches to complex biological datasets, including high-throughput and/or multi-omic data, together with proficiency in relevant programming languages such as R and/or Python and experience developing reproducible computational research workflows.

You will have a strong publication record and demonstrable experience developing original research questions and translating these into appropriate computational and analytical approaches. You will be able to independently plan and manage research activities and associated resources, contribute to the development of research strategy and funding applications, and provide scientific guidance and supervision to junior researchers. Excellent scientific communication and collaborative skills are essential, including the ability to work effectively with immunologists, clinicians, microbiologists, statisticians, data scientists and AI specialists and to represent the research group externally. Experience of controlled human infection or vaccination studies, integration of single-cell and multi-omic datasets, machine learning or AI approaches, and HPC or cloud computing would be advantageous.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Professor Daniela Ferreira, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 21 October 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.