"Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Virology"

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Virology to join our research group. Globally over 20 million people live with chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection and are at a significantly elevated risk of developing severe liver disease and cancer. Our limited knowledge of the mechanism(s) underlying HDV persistence and pathogenesis in man and lack of experimental systems that model human disease are major roadblocks to progress. This project will address these limitations and will explore the host pathways that associate with HDV persistence and liver damage. Spatial transcriptomic and proteomic profiling the viral reservoir in clinical specimens will allow us to determine the location of the infected cells and the damage they cause. This study will allow us to translate our mechanistic cell biology insights to healthcare settings. You will work with Professor Jane McKeating’s research team and collaborate with Dr Agarwal at Kings College Hospital, London.

With practical experience of quantitative tissue imaging and associated analytical pipelines, you will be responsible for managing your own academic research and administrative activities. You will test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate. Adapt existing and develop new scientific analytical pipelines to support the project goals, alongside contributing with ideas for new research projects, generate research income will also be a part of the role.

It is essential that you currently hold (or are close to completion) a PhD/DPhil in virology, biochemistry, molecular biology or relevant topic. You will have demonstrable experience of molecular virology, viral hepatitis as well as experience with computational methods for image analysis and single-cell RNA-sequencing approaches. You will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings, with evidence of contribution and authorship of relevant research publications.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online and you will need to upload a supporting statement and CV. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Please restrict your documentation to your CV and supporting statement only. Any other documents will be requested at a later date.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Prof Jane McKeating at jane.mckeating@ndm.ox.ac.uk.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 December 2028 and is funded by the MRC UKRI.

Only applications received before 12 midday on Thursday, 5 March 2026 will be considered. Please quote 184783 on all correspondence.

Location: Target Discovery Institute, NDM Research Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7

Salary: £39,424 - £43,984 per annum (inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year)

Contact Person: Bogdan Tiritelnicu, recruitment@ndm.ox.ac.uk