"Senior Researcher in Computational Biology for Neuropsychiatric disorders"

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Researcher to join the Ideker Laboratory at the Big Data Institute (BDI) and the Nuffield Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford. The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary research programme at the interface of artificial intelligence, biology, and human health.

Reporting to the BDI Director, the post holder will play a leading role in developing and applying advanced AI foundation models to decode cellular architecture and understand how genetic variation shapes cellular phenotypes and complex human traits. The role will involve leading research projects that integrate large-scale multi-omics datasets—including functional genomics and proteomics—across biological scales, from single-cell systems to population-level data.

The research will focus on developing computational frameworks that bridge genotype and phenotype, enabling disease risk stratification and precision medicine applications across a range of human diseases, including neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The work will leverage major international data resources, including UK Biobank, Bridge2AI, and programmes supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), within a highly collaborative global research environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with computational scientists, geneticists, clinicians, and experimental biologists, contributing intellectual leadership to the research programme and helping shape its strategic direction. The role will also involve leading collaborative research projects, contributing to major funding applications, publishing high-impact research, and mentoring junior researchers.

Applicants should hold a PhD/DPhil in cell biology, cancer biology, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline, with significant postdoctoral research experience. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in computational biology, machine learning, and quantitative analysis, experience working with large-scale multi-omics data, and a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications. Excellent communication skills, experience contributing to grant development, and the ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams are essential.

This is a full time, fixed term post (part time considered) for 3 years.

The closing date for applications is noon on 27 March 2026.

You will be required to upload a CV and a cover letter as part of your online application. The cover letter should clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description.

Location: Oxford Population Health (Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford), Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 8

Salary: £49,119 - £58,265

Senior Researcher in Computational Biology for Neuropsychiatric Disorders JD 185488 (354.1 KB)