Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Project

This project addresses a critical gap in understanding why some arboviruses cause severe and persistent neurological disease in humans. Using tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) as a model, this research will identify viral and host determinants of neuropathogenesis.

Your Role

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will join a multidisciplinary team investigating the molecular mechanisms of arbovirus infection in the human brain. You will contribute to the development, validation, and application of advanced human iPSC-derived neuronal systems and multi-omics approaches to characterise host–virus interactions that drive encephalitic disease, with the aim of informing future therapeutic strategies.

You will have strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and a proven capacity to work both independently and as part of a team in a research-intensive environment.

We’re Looking for Someone With:

• A PhD/DPhil in virology, cell biology, neuroscience, or a closely related field
• Strong expertise in molecular virology and viral neuropathogenesis
• Experience generating, culturing, and differentiating human iPSCs and iPSC-derived neuronal systems, including brain organoids and/or blood–brain barrier models
• Experience applying transcriptomic and/or proteomic approaches to study virus–host interactions
• Experience with genetic manipulation techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9
• A strong foundation in cell and molecular biology
• Experience working in high-containment (BSL-3) laboratory environments
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team

About you

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: Dr Niluka Goonawardane, Principle Investigator, Wellcome CDA Fellow
Email: Niluka.goonawardane@briology.ox.ac.uk

How to apply

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 members 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.

This post is full time and available immediately.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 16/06/2026. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.