Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Paleovirology

We seek an accomplished Researcher with a track record of excellence to
undertake innovative research in virus evolution. Candidates will be expected
to have evolutionary analysis, programming and genomics experience, with a
background or interest on working with viruses. The position is available
immediately until 30 September 2026 (with the possibility of extension). The
candidate will join the paleovirology research group under the supervision of
Professor Katzourakis.





This is an exciting opportunity to work on an ERC funded project on the
evolutionary dynamics of viral cross-species transmissions, and the
consequences of virus-host gene exchange. The postholder will seek to identify
the factors that drive successful transmission, and the role of gene exchange
in host evolution. The new field of paleovirology has been pioneered by the
research group of Professor Katzourakis. The project will integrate
bioinformatics, evolutionary, and experimental techniques, to elucidate the
evolutionary processes underlying virus-host interactions.





You will lead the evolutionary and computational aspects of the project,
working closely with members of the team working on computational and
experimental aspects of the project. You will be experienced with evolutionary
and sequence analysis, be familiar with programming and large-scale data
handling (e.g., Python and SQL, or equivalent) and will be responsible for the
bulk of bioinformatic development and analyses for these objectives. You will
hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant field of biology
with a strong interest in the research described here, and research
experience.





Duties will primarily include design and implementation of the computational
aspects of the project, including genomic analysis, and the development and
deployment of state-of-the-art phylogenetic based approaches for the inference
of evolutionary processes. The candidate will have a proven track record of
leading complex computational research in evolutionary biology including
design and implementation of analytical tools. The candidate will work closely
with the other members of the research team and contribute to their training
and development.





The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All
applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.





The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (GMT +1) on the 8th of
December 2023, interviews are likely to be scheduled late-December 2023.
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.