We are seeking a motivated and experienced Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join a flourishing program of research led by Dr. Rachel Tanner, studying tuberculosis (TB) with a focus on novel TB drug development and evaluation. The successful applicant will be required to work primarily on _in vitro_ and _ex vivo_ screening of drug candidates. The work will be conducted at the Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and the new Life and Mind Building in central Oxford. The role will include microbiological techniques, assay development and optimisation, performing immunological evaluations, and analysing, interpreting and presenting data. Attention to detail is essential. The postholder will have excellent organisational and laboratory management skills, and will be a team-player able to support other members of the group including junior staff, graduate and undergraduate project students as required. Some travel to collaborator institutes (particularly Birkbeck, University of London) will be required for training and tech-transfer. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is full-time and available from 1st July 2025 for a fixed term till 29th February 2028. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 7th May 2025; interviews are likely to be scheduled for June 2025.
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join a flourishing program of research led by Dr. Rachel Tanner, studying tuberculosis (TB) with a focus on novel TB drug development and evaluation. The successful applicant will be required to work primarily on in vitro and ex vivo screening of drug candidates. The work will be conducted at the Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and the new Life and Mind Building in central Oxford. The role will include microbiological techniques, assay development and optimisation, performing immunological evaluations, and analysing, interpreting and presenting data. Attention to detail is essential. The postholder will have excellent organisational and laboratory management skills, and will be a team-player able to support other members of the group including junior staff, graduate and undergraduate project students as required. Some travel to collaborator institutes (particularly Birkbeck, University of London) will be required for training and tech-transfer. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is full-time and available from 1st July 2025 for a fixed term till 29th February 2028. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 7th May 2025; interviews are likely to be scheduled for June 2025.
Job description Post Postdoctoral Research Associate Department Biology Division Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) Location Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, moving to the new Life and Mind Building summer 2025 Grade and salary Researcher Grade 7.1 – 7.8: £38,674 - £46,913 inclusive of an Oxford University Weighting Hours Full time Contract type Fixed-term (2 years 7 months) Reporting to Sam Sheppard/Martin Maiden Application deadline Friday 2nd May 12 noon Vacancy reference 179016 Recruitment contacts HR: recruitment@biology.ox.ac.uk Research topic Computational biochemistry/microbiology: bacterial genomics and drug target discovery Principal Investigator / supervisor Sam Sheppard / Martin Maiden Project team Sam Sheppard, Rachel Tanner, Martin Maiden Project web site https://www.ineosoxford.ox.ac.uk/ The role Reporting to the Oxford Principal Investigators, the post holder is a member of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research into Mycobacteria antimicrobial resistance. The role will involve developing new, and adapting existing, bioinformatics pipelines focused on AMR, comparative genomics, protein structure inference and analysis, and drug target identification. The post holder will integrate with the research group and provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including postdocs, research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students. Responsibilities • • • • • • • • • • • • Manage own academic research, genome and protein data and administrative activities. This involves management of own project to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines Adapt existing, and develop new, scientific techniques and genome and protein analyses Coordinate with the IOI Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) Grand Challenge team to implement pipelines for drug target identification Working with colleagues to test hypotheses and analyse Mtb and other Mycobacteria genomes, protein structures, and metadata, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate Contribute ideas for new research directions Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups Teach or undertake ad-hoc paid teaching (this may include lecturing, demonstrating, small group teaching, tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students and supervision of projects). Embed the principles of mutual respect, equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability in all aspects of your work; undertake training as and when asked to do so. Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • Hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil or equivalent experience • Specialist knowledge in computer science, microbiology and biochemistry to work within established research programmes. • Possess specialist knowledge in bioinformatics, specifically relevant to either bacterial population genomics OR protein structure prediction for drug target identification, to work within established research programmes. • Proficiency in scripting languages. • Experience using databases. • Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities. • Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations. • Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation. • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings. Desirable selection criteria • • • • • Experience working on Mycobacteria genomics Experience of in silico drug target identification Experience of in silico protein structure analysis Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project Experience of actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication Pre-employment screening Standard checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. If you have previously worked for the University we will also verify key information such as your dates of employment and reason for leaving your previous role with the department/unit where you worked. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin-outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. The Department of Biology You will be joining the Department of Biology at an exciting time. The Department established from August 2022 as a result of a merger between the Departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences, and is preparing to move into the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building this year. The Department of Biology is recognised internationally for its research in a wide range of fields spanning all levels from molecules to ecosystems, and tackling global challenges through fundamental bioscience research. Over time, the research interests of the Department has been focused on five primary themes: Behaviour & Biomechanics; Ecology & Conservation; Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology & Infectious Disease; and Molecular Plant Biology. Research is conducted in all spheres from laboratory and in silico analysis to theoretical and field-based research. At all times we seek to reinforce the connections between research and our education offering, at both graduate and undergraduate level. The Department teaches a four-year undergraduate degree MBiol course in Biology, with fourth-year students undertaking a Masters-level research project. It also supports a variety of graduate placements and hosts the University’s DPhil in Biology. External research income to the Department is derived from over 50 different funding agencies, with the principal current funders being the European Research Council, the Royal Society, the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC and NERC. The Department has a significant record in integrating broader societal impacts of its research, including the provision of policy to government at the highest level, as well as supporting the commercialisation of research through spin-out companies and licensing arrangements that have generated hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of innovation. The Department is located in the University’s Science Area at two sites, and will move into the new £200m Life and Mind Building in 2024 that will include extensive laboratory provision with controlled environment rooms, glasshouses and an imaging suite. The Department also benefits from extensive facilities at the John Krebs Field Station at Wytham, with Wytham Woods nearby, as well as partnerships with organisations in the area such as the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Oxford Natural History Museum. For more information please visit: https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk The Department of Biology holds a bronze Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. About the Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of the University, alongside the Humanities, Social Sciences and Medical Sciences Divisions. It is led by an academic Head of Division (Professor Jim Naismith) and an administrative Divisional Registrar (Dr Tracy Gale) and comprises nine of the University’s academic departments – Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering Science, Materials, the Mathematical Institute, Physics, and Statistics – as well as Begbroke Science Park, the multidisciplinary Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research and an interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Centre. The disciplines within the MPLS Division regularly appear at the highest levels in rankings, including the Times Higher Education and QS world rankings. Nationally, the quality of the Division’s research outputs and environment, and the resulting impact, was recognised through strong performances in the UK Research Excellence Framework in both 2014 and 2021. MPLS is proud to be home to some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders in academia, whose interdisciplinary research is tackling major societal and technological challenges, from new energy solutions or improved cancer treatments to understanding climate change processes and helping to preserve biodiversity, tackling antimicrobial resistance, advancing AI and quantum technologies and space exploration, and much more. The quality and impact of our work have been recognised by successive rounds of the national Research Excellence Framework and Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework exercises, and our departments frequently top the major higher education league tables. We teach around 7,300 students (including around 3,400 graduate students) and are playing a key part in training the next generation of leading scientists. Divisional activity is co-ordinated and represented by the MPLS Divisional Office based at 9 Parks Road, in the heart of Oxford’s Science Area. The Divisional Office, which is led by the Divisional Registrar, has around 55 dedicated members of staff, as well as a number of colleagues who are embedded in divisional teams but based in central University services (e.g. in Finance, HR and Development). To find out more, please visit: www.mpls.ox.ac.uk. How to apply Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants) Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. If you currently work for the University please note that: - as part of the referencing process, we will contact your current department to confirm basic employment details including reason for leaving although employees may hold multiple part-time posts, they may not hold more than the equivalent of a full time post. If you are offered this post, and accepting it would take you over the equivalent of full-time hours, you will be expected to resign from, or reduce hours in, your other posts(s) before starting work in the new post. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly at recruitment@Biology.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82 of 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, flexible working options, travel discounts including salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles and electric cars and other discounts. Staff can access a huge range of personal and professional development opportunities. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits Employee Assistance Programme As part of our wellbeing offering staff get free access to Health Assured, a confidential employee assistance programme, available 24/7 for 365 days a year. Find out more https://staff.admin.ox.ac.uk/health-assured-eap University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for University staff. It offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ Reimbursement Policy: https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/reimbursement-policy There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependants. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits We are a family-friendly employer with one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector (see https://hr.web.ox.ac.uk/family-leave). Our Childcare Services team provides guidance and support on childcare provision, and offers a range of high-quality childcare options at affordable prices for staff. In addition to 5 University nurseries, we partner with a number of local providers to offer in excess of 450 full time nursery places to our staff. Eligible parents are able to pay for childcare through salary sacrifice, further reducing costs. See https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/. Supporting disability and health-related issues (inc menopause) We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions, including those experiencing negative effects of menopause. Information about the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, is at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support. For information about how we support those going through menopause see https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/menopause-guidance Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including for research staff, BME staff, LGBT+ staff, disabled staff network and those going through menopause. Find out more at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. Research staff The Researcher Hub supports all researchers on fixed-term contracts. They aim to help you settle in comfortably, make connections, grow as a person, extend your research expertise and approach your next career step with confidence. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/supportresearchers/researcher-hub Oxford’s Research Staff Society is a collective voice for our researchers. They also organise social and professional networking activities for researchers. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/support-researchers/connecting-other-researchers/oxfordresearch-staff-society
Job description Post Research Scientist Department Department of Biology Division Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) Location Wytham, OX2 8QJ Grade and salary Researcher Grade 8.1: £48,235 Hours Full time Contract type Fixed-term for 23 months (with possible extension of 16 months) Reporting to Professor Geraldine Wright/ Professor Beth Mortimer Application deadline 12 noon 29th April 2025 Vacancy reference 178705 Recruitment contacts HR: recruitment@biology.ox.ac.uk or PI: Geraldine Wright and Beth Mortimer Additional information Whilst the role is a grade 8 position, we would be willing to consider candidates with potential but less experience who are seeking a development opportunity, for which an initial appointment would be at grade 7 (£38,674 – £46,913) with the responsibilities adjusted accordingly. This would be discussed with applicants at interview/appointment where appropriate. Research topic Arthropod Physiology and Behaviour Principal Investigator / supervisor Geraldine Wright/Beth Mortimer Project team Bee lab/Animal Vibration Lab Funding partner The funds supporting this research project are provided by Hope Fund Revenue Reserve and Royal Society The role The person appointed to this role will work with the PIs to design and execute experiments to study the sensory systems of insects. Specifically, the scientist appointed to this role will employ methods such as electrophysiology, biological imaging, histology, laser vibrometry and behavioural assays to study the gustatory system in bees and vibration sensing in a variety of insects and arthropods. Additionally, they will work with the PIs to develop new grant proposals, write manuscripts, analyze data, attend scientific conferences, and co-supervise Master’s and DPhil level students. They will work together with other lab members to develop new assays of behaviour. They may occasionally be asked to perform teaching or outreach-related activities and will also be asked to organize the labs’ safety-related administration at Wytham field station. The ideal candidate will have an outstanding track record in publishing and research in the area of insect neuroethology. This person will be skilled in using electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, molecular pharmacology techniques to study the nervous system of insect species. They will also be experienced in the development, implementation, and analysis of assays of arthropod behaviour. They will have experience in writing, budgeting, and administering grant applications. They will also be well-acquainted with lab-appropriate safety procedures and protocols. Responsibilities • • • • • • • • • • • Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines for grant proposals and publication Crafting and submitting grant proposals as lead or co-PI to UK or European funding bodies Developing and designing new protocols and experiments, collecting and archiving data for agreed projects Share responsibility for shaping the research group’s plans, contribute ideas for new research projects, keep team abreast of innovations or new literature relevant to the research and develop new grant proposals with the PIs Lead on the preparation of research publications forthcoming from their own and collaborative work for submission to national or international journals Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on methodologies or procedures Undertake high level analysis of data from their own experiments and the data of others in the research groups, provide advice and supervision of students, postdocs, and technicians Supervise a lab technician and any students involved in the research Keep up to date with and advise on matters relating to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Health and Safety, COSHH sheets and other regulations relevant to the post. Embed the principles of mutual respect, equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability in all aspects of your work; undertake training as and when asked to do so. Teach or undertake ad-hoc teaching (this may include lecturing, demonstrating, small group teaching, tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students and supervision of projects). Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • • • • • • • Hold a relevant Ph.D/D.Phil with post-qualification research experience with considerable research experience including prior published work in the subjects of insect gustation and vibration sensing by arthropods A clear track record of significant publication and achievement in the area of neuroethology. High level of technical expertise in the use of intracellular and extracellular electrophysiological techniques to study the invertebrate nervous system. High level of technical expertise in analysing data from electrophysiological, histological, and behavioural experiments, including employment of spike sorting algorithms and tracking software Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a laboratory environment specifically relating to lab protocols for rearing bumblebees and reagent handling and working with bees in the field Experience using immunohistochemistry or advanced histological methods on invertebrate tissues Experience using pharmacological techniques and RNAi to study the nervous system of insects Desirable selection criteria • • • • Experience with multichannel extracellular physiological methods and with several different types of spike sorting methods Experience writing scientific reviews Strong attention to detail, with the ability to organise samples and record results in a clear and organised fashion and to work with basic data analysis and behavioural tracking and recording software Experience supervising undergraduate and graduate level projects Pre-employment screening Standard checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. If you have previously worked for the University we will also verify key information such as your dates of employment and reason for leaving your previous role with the department/unit where you worked. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties This job includes hazards or safety-critical activities. If you are offered the post, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will be assessed by our Occupational Health Service, and the offer of employment will be subject a successful outcome of this assessment. The hazards or safety-critical duties involved are as follows: • Work with allergens, Eg laboratory animals, pollen, dust, fish or insects etc. • Travel outside of Europe or North America on University Business About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin-outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. The Department of Biology You will be joining the Department of Biology at an exciting time. The Department established from August 2022 as a result of a merger between the Departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences, and is preparing to move into the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building in 2025. The Department of Biology is recognised internationally for its research in a wide range of fields spanning all levels from molecules to ecosystems, and tackling global challenges through fundamental bioscience research. Over time, the research interests of the Department has been focused on five primary themes: Behaviour & Biomechanics; Ecology & Conservation; Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology & Infectious Disease; and Molecular Plant Biology. Research is conducted in all spheres from laboratory and in silico analysis to theoretical and field-based research. At all times we seek to reinforce the connections between research and our education offering, at both graduate and undergraduate level. The Department teaches a four-year undergraduate degree MBiol course in Biology, with fourth-year students undertaking a Masters-level research project. It also supports a variety of graduate placements and hosts the University’s DPhil in Biology. External research income to the Department is derived from over 50 different funding agencies, with the principal current funders being the European Research Council, the Royal Society, the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC and NERC. The Department has a significant record in integrating broader societal impacts of its research, including the provision of policy to government at the highest level, as well as supporting the commercialisation of research through spin-out companies and licensing arrangements that have generated hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of innovation. The Department is located in the University’s Science Area at two sites and will move into the new £200m Life and Mind Building in 2024 that will include extensive laboratory provision with controlled environment rooms, glasshouses and an imaging suite. The Department also benefits from extensive facilities at the John Krebs Field Station at Wytham, with Wytham Woods nearby, as well as partnerships with organisations in the area such as the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Oxford Natural History Museum. For more information please visit: https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk The Department of Biology holds a bronze Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. About the Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of the University, alongside the Humanities, Social Sciences and Medical Sciences Divisions. It is led by an academic Head of Division (Professor Sam Howison) and an administrative Divisional Registrar (Dr Tracy Gale) and comprises nine of the University’s academic departments – Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering Science, Materials, the Mathematical Institute, Physics, and Statistics – as well as Begbroke Science Park, the multidisciplinary Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research and an interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Centre. MPLS is proud to be home to some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders in academia, whose interdisciplinary research is tackling major societal and technological challenges, from new energy solutions or improved cancer treatments to understanding climate change processes and helping to preserve biodiversity, tackling antimicrobial resistance, advancing AI and quantum technologies and space exploration, and much more. The quality and impact of our work have been recognised by successive rounds of the national Research Excellence Framework and Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework exercises, and our departments frequently top the major higher education league tables. We teach around 7,300 students (including around 3,400 graduate students) and are playing a key part in training the next generation of leading scientists. Divisional activity is co-ordinated and represented by the MPLS Divisional Office based at 9 Parks Road, in the heart of Oxford’s Science Area. The Divisional Office, which is led by the Divisional Registrar, has around 55 dedicated members of staff, as well as a number of colleagues who are embedded in divisional teams but based in central University services (e.g. in Finance, HR and Development). To find out more, please visit: www.mpls.ox.ac.uk. How to apply Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants) Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. If you currently work for the University please note that: - as part of the referencing process, we will contact your current department to confirm basic employment details including reason for leaving although employees may hold multiple part-time posts, they may not hold more than the equivalent of a full time post. If you are offered this post, and accepting it would take you over the equivalent of full-time hours, you will be expected to resign from, or reduce hours in, your other posts(s) before starting work in the new post. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly at Recruitment@Biology.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82 of 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, flexible working options, travel discounts including salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles and electric cars and other discounts. Staff can access a huge range of personal and professional development opportunities. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits Employee Assistance Programme As part of our wellbeing offering staff get free access to Health Assured, a confidential employee assistance programme, available 24/7 for 365 days a year. Find out more https://staff.admin.ox.ac.uk/health-assured-eap University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for University staff. It offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ Reimbursement Policy: https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/reimbursement-policy There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependants. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits We are a family-friendly employer with one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector (see https://hr.web.ox.ac.uk/family-leave). Our Childcare Services team provides guidance and support on childcare provision, and offers a range of high-quality childcare options at affordable prices for staff. In addition to 5 University nurseries, we partner with a number of local providers to offer in excess of 450 full time nursery places to our staff. Eligible parents are able to pay for childcare through salary sacrifice, further reducing costs. See https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/. Supporting disability and health-related issues (inc menopause) We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions, including those experiencing negative effects of menopause. Information about the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, is at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support. For information about how we support those going through menopause see https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/menopause-guidance Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including for research staff, BME staff, LGBT+ staff, disabled staff network and those going through menopause. Find out more at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. Research staff The Researcher Hub supports all researchers on fixed-term contracts. They aim to help you settle in comfortably, make connections, grow as a person, extend your research expertise and approach your next career step with confidence. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/supportresearchers/researcher-hub Oxford’s Research Staff Society is a collective voice for our researchers. They also organise social and professional networking activities for researchers. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/support-researchers/connecting-other-researchers/oxfordresearch-staff-society
Standard Grade 7: Researcher Grade 7.1 – 7.8: £38,674 - £46,913
valid through (0..1)
Biochemistry and Biological Sciences Teaching Centre
sous-Organization de
locality
Source
Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS)
alternative label
has site
Biology Department, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, you may be relocated to the new Life and Mind Building when it is ready
Job description Post Postdoctoral Research Associate in Insect Biology Department Department of Biology Division Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) Location Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford Grade and salary Researcher Grade 7: £38,674 - £46,913 Hours Full time Contract type Fixed term (1 year with the possibility of renewal) Reporting to Maximilian Fitz-James Application deadline 12 noon on Wednesday 14 May 2025 Vacancy reference 179055 Recruitment contacts HR: recruitment@biology.ox.ac.uk or PI: maximilian.fitz-james@biology.ox.ac.uk Research topic Investigating the molecular mechanisms of polyphenism in the pea aphid Principal Investigator / supervisor Dr Maximilian Fitz-James Project team Fitz-James Group, Department of Biology Project web site Funding partner The funds supporting this research project are provided by Wellcome Recent publications The role Reporting to Dr Fitz-James. The post holder is a member of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research for a discrete area of a large project. The post holder provides guidance to junior members of the research group including research assistants, PhD students, and/or project volunteers. Responsibilities • Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. • Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols. • Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate. • Contribute ideas for new research projects and to the daily organisation and management of the research laboratory. • Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers. • Present and discuss data and relevant literature at regular lab meetings. • Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters, including analysing and preparing data and contributing to the publication of research papers. • Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques, including supervise research students and junior researchers within the group. • Represent the research group and present results at external meetings and conferences. • Embed the principles of mutual respect, equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability in all aspects of your work; undertake training as and when asked to do so. Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • • • • • • • Hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience Experience in molecular biology research Experience in generating and analysing high-throughput sequencing data such as ChIP-seq, RNAseq Experience working with aphids as a model organism Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings Desirable selection criteria • Evidence of securing research funding • Experience of epigenetics research Pre-employment screening Standard checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. If you have previously worked for the University, we will also verify key information such as your dates of employment and reason for leaving your previous role with the department/unit where you worked. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties This job includes hazards or safety-critical activities. If you are offered the post, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will be assessed by our Occupational Health Service, and the offer of employment will be subject a successful outcome of this assessment. The hazards or safety-critical duties involved are as follows: • Lone Working • Work with allergens, E.g. laboratory animals, pollen, dust, fish or insects etc. • Work with any substance which has any of the following pictograms on their MSDS: About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin-outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. The Department of Biology You will be joining the Department of Biology at an exciting time. The Department established from August 2022 as a result of a merger between the Departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences, and is preparing to move into the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building in 2025. The Department of Biology is recognised internationally for its research in a wide range of fields spanning all levels from molecules to ecosystems and tackling global challenges through fundamental bioscience research. Over time, the research interests of the Department has been focused on five primary themes: Behaviour & Biomechanics; Ecology & Conservation; Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology & Infectious Disease; and Molecular Plant Biology. Research is conducted in all spheres from laboratory and in silico analysis to theoretical and field-based research. At all times we seek to reinforce the connections between research and our education offering, at both graduate and undergraduate level. The Department teaches a four-year undergraduate degree MBiol course in Biology, with fourth-year students undertaking a Masters-level research project. It also supports a variety of graduate placements and hosts the University’s DPhil in Biology. External research income to the Department is derived from over 50 different funding agencies, with the principal current funders being the European Research Council, the Royal Society, the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC and NERC. The Department has a significant record in integrating broader societal impacts of its research, including the provision of policy to government at the highest level, as well as supporting the commercialisation of research through spin-out companies and licensing arrangements that have generated hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of innovation. The Department is located in the University’s Science Area at two sites and will move into the new £200m Life and Mind Building in 2024 that will include extensive laboratory provision with controlled environment rooms, glasshouses and an imaging suite. The Department also benefits from extensive facilities at the John Krebs Field Station at Wytham, with Wytham Woods nearby, as well as partnerships with organisations in the area such as the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Oxford Natural History Museum. For more information please visit: https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk The Department of Biology holds a bronze Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. About the Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of the University, alongside the Humanities, Social Sciences and Medical Sciences Divisions. It is led by an academic Head of Division (Professor Jim Naismith) and an administrative Divisional Registrar (Dr Tracy Gale) and comprises nine of the University’s academic departments – Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering Science, Materials, the Mathematical Institute, Physics, and Statistics – as well as Begbroke Science Park, the multidisciplinary Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research and an interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Centre. MPLS is proud to be home to some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders in academia, whose interdisciplinary research is tackling major societal and technological challenges, from new energy solutions or improved cancer treatments to understanding climate change processes and helping to preserve biodiversity, tackling antimicrobial resistance, advancing AI and quantum technologies and space exploration, and much more. The quality and impact of our work have been recognised by successive rounds of the national Research Excellence Framework and Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework exercises, and our departments frequently top the major higher education league tables. We teach around 7,300 students (including around 3,400 graduate students) and are playing a key part in training the next generation of leading scientists. Divisional activity is co-ordinated and represented by the MPLS Divisional Office based at 9 Parks Road, in the heart of Oxford’s Science Area. The Divisional Office, which is led by the Divisional Registrar, has around 55 dedicated members of staff, as well as a number of colleagues who are embedded in divisional teams but based in central University services (e.g. in Finance, HR and Development). To find out more, please visit: www.mpls.ox.ac.uk. How to apply Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants) Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. If you currently work for the University, please note that: - as part of the referencing process, we will contact your current department to confirm basic employment details including reason for leaving although employees may hold multiple part-time posts, they may not hold more than the equivalent of a full time post. If you are offered this post and accepting it would take you over the equivalent of full-time hours, you will be expected to resign from, or reduce hours in, your other posts(s) before starting work in the new post. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly at Recruitment@Biology.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82 of 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, flexible working options, travel discounts including salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles and electric cars and other discounts. Staff can access a huge range of personal and professional development opportunities. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits Employee Assistance Programme As part of our wellbeing offering staff get free access to Health Assured, a confidential employee assistance programme, available 24/7 for 365 days a year. Find out more https://staff.admin.ox.ac.uk/health-assured-eap University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for University staff. It offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ Reimbursement Policy: https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/reimbursement-policy There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependants. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits We are a family-friendly employer with one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector (see https://hr.web.ox.ac.uk/family-leave). Our Childcare Services team provides guidance and support on childcare provision, and offers a range of high-quality childcare options at affordable prices for staff. In addition to 5 University nurseries, we partner with a number of local providers to offer in excess of 450 full time nursery places to our staff. Eligible parents are able to pay for childcare through salary sacrifice, further reducing costs. See https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/. Supporting disability and health-related issues (inc menopause) We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions, including those experiencing negative effects of menopause. Information about the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, is at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support. For information about how we support those going through menopause see https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/menopause-guidance Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including for research staff, BME staff, LGBT+ staff, disabled staff network and those going through menopause. Find out more at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. Research staff The Researcher Hub supports all researchers on fixed-term contracts. They aim to help you settle in comfortably, make connections, grow as a person, extend your research expertise and approach your next career step with confidence. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/supportresearchers/researcher-hub Oxford’s Research Staff Society is a collective voice for our researchers. They also organise social and professional networking activities for researchers. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/support-researchers/connecting-other-researchers/oxfordresearch-staff-society
John Krebs Field Station, Wytham, OX2 8QJ
a un site
Unit price specification
_________________________________________________________________________ Medical Sciences Division/Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division Job title Facilities Technician Division Medical Sciences Division and Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division Department Department of Experimental Psychology and Department of Biology Location Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford Grade and salary Grade 4: £27,838 - £31,459 p.a. Hours Full time Contract type Permanent Reporting to Deputy Building & Facilities Manager (Operations) Vacancy reference 173497 The role The Life and Mind Building (LaMB) will be the largest building project the University has ever undertaken and will significantly improve the way psychological and biological science is undertaken in Oxford, helping scientists to solve some of our major global challenges. It will be home to the Department of Experimental Psychology and the Department of Biology. As a Building Technician, you will work closely with the Deputy Building & Facilities Manager (Operations) in order to effectively maintain the infrastructure of the LaMB. This will involve carrying out routine repairs, maintenance and supervision of some contractors working within the building. You will be responsible for prioritising both reactive and preventative maintenance tasks and also respond to work request forms submitted by the occupying departments. Working alongside several other Facility Technicians and within a broader Building Management team, you will ensure work is carried out in a timely fashion and to appropriate standards. As a large, multi-disciplinary research facility, the LaMB will accommodate a variety of wet-chemistry labs, specialist analytical suites, controlled environment rooms and highly sensitive analytical equipment. The role holder will be expected to have a thorough understanding of the Health and Safety requirements of working in such environments, as well as the ability to work meticulously according to standard operating procedures. h It is essential that the role holder have experience in writing, modifying and working according to risk assessments and understand the requirement to routine evaluate and adapt them when there is a procedural change. A flexible approach is required to working hours and the post holder will be expected to cover additional hours or swap shift patterns from time to time Main duties and responsibilities: General Building Maintenance • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Assist Building & Facilities Manager (Operations) in the allocation of repairs and maintenance tasks to the facilities team or by using external contractors. To engage with all staff with a positive attitude and pleasant manner. To work with other members of the building management team and staff within other buildings when required. Undertake inspections and provide reports to the Building & Facilities Manager (Operations) in the form of short documents or verbally on the condition of areas within the building such as review of kitchen areas, glass washing facilities, performance of lavatories, communal lighting around the building, general decoration etc. Note and report any faults or problems with building infrastructure to the Building and Facilities Manager and/or Planon and liaise with others including Estates Services to resolve faults or problems as required. To liaise with and supervise on a routine basis, University of Oxford Estates Dept, external contractors and engineers. To understand the basics of how the lighting, fire alarm and sprinkler systems operate within the building and carry out inspection/repair as required. To understand the operation of the cryogenic storage and compressed gas systems and perform regular checks on the safety systems located within the rooms e.g. low oxygen monitors and air flow monitoring. Be able to read the fire panel, including temporary isolation of detectors, if necessary. In the event of an alarm, advise both security and the fire brigade if necessary. To show flexibility in duties and approach to service supply, on occasions helping cover for another team member during their absence. Actively participate in team meetings. Provide cover for the Goods-in Technicians and/or Reception services and be fully competent in the procedures for each team (training can be provided). Assist with the removal of heavy items around the building or delivery of items from Goods-in to the point of use. Assist with the reorganization of rooms, which will involve moving furniture to meet the requirements of the end user. Assist the Building & Facilities Manager (Operations) in the relocation of groups, moving furniture and heavy equipment, keeping the exterior areas associated with the building in a clean condition and preparation for VIP visits or important events. To partake in a regular rota for on-call response to emergencies in the building during out-ofhours periods. 2 Workshop Duties • • • • • • • Repair of small laboratory equipment and specialist systems, for example growth facilities and behavioral neuroscience equipment. Provide technical information for researchers on equipment (installation, repair and modification). Responsible for use of a shared workshop/store equipped with a range of hand tools, workbench area, materials and supplies required to carry out repair and maintenance work as well as equipment construction. Maintain existing equipment in the workshop in a safe manner. Ensure that workshop users are suitably inducted and appropriately trained. Ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments and required SOPs are in place. Replace end of life workshop equipment, on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the required service provision is maintained for building occupiers. Additional Duties • Maintain, fault-find and resolve issues with the Salto card access system via the software interface and hardware. Program, install and replace locks. • Carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) of equipment as required. Complete all necessary administrative tasks associated with testing. Training can be provided. • Ensuring departmental vehicle(s) are in a safe condition for use, carry out weekly maintenance checks for oil, water, air and general condition. Check booking forms and fault log. Arrange for servicing, repairs, MOT and tax/licence renewals. • Driving duties using departmental vehicles for collection of supplies and other services as requested. • To understand the Health and Safety requirements in a laboratory and industrial environment and to comply with required procedures. • Any other duties that may reasonably be required are appropriate to the grade. Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • Experience of working within a facilities management team. • Technical knowledge and experience in building repair, maintenance with previous experience in a similar environment • Knowledge and experience in manual handling at work. • Demonstrable understanding of Health and Safety requirements of working within high-risk research facilities. • Experience of writing, adapting and working to the controls of a Risk Assessment. • Demonstrate a flexible approach and be able to cover additional hours as the operation requires. • To be able to work independently and effectively as a member of a team. • Ability to respond to an emergency situation in a professional manner. • Ability to prioritize work and to work autonomously • Good interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with a variety of people • Good IT skills, with knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). • Excellent written communication skills, with ability to write method statements. 3 Desirable selection criteria • • • Experience in a similar busy, demanding environment. Experience in pressurised gas systems, e.g. CO2 or LN2 systems Experience of working at the University of Oxford or similar environment in a Buildings and Facilities capacity. Pre-employment screening Standard checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. If you have previously worked for the University we will also verify key information such as your dates of employment and reason for leaving your previous role with the department/unit where you worked. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties This job includes hazards or safety-critical activities. If you are offered the post, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will be assessed by our Occupational Health Service, and the offer of employment will be subject a successful outcome of this assessment. The hazards or safety-critical duties involved are as follows: • Working at heights • Lone Working • Work in hot or cold environments • Regular manual handling • Work with any substance which has any of the following pictograms on their MSDS: About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. 4 While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spinouts, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. The Department of Experimental Psychology The Department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford was founded in 1898 and has a long and prestigious history and is fortunate to be home to a number of current world-leading research groups and continues to be among the top-ranked Psychology departments worldwide. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) Exercise the Psychology, Neuroscience and Psychiatry REF submission from Oxford was judged to have many outstanding strengths in the research it produced, its research environment, and in terms of the impact of its research on wider society. Departmental turnover for 21/22 was in excess of £15 million. Research in the Department is organised into 5 research groupings roughly equal in size: Behavioural Neuroscience / Cognition and Perception / Developmental Psychology / Social Psychology / Psychological and Brain Health. In 2018 the core of the Department relocated to the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter where we now occupy two floors of New Radcliffe House and the Anna Watts Building. The Anna Watts building houses the developmental research centre and facilities for EEG, TMS, and tDCS, along with multiple laboratories with eye-movement recording equipment. The Oxford Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma (OXCADAT) is located at The Old Rectory, and we also have some research groups located in the Tinsley Building in the Science Area of the city. Experimental Psychology has good access to a wide variety of special populations including mothers and babies, schools, older participants, acquired and developmental neuropsychological patients, and individuals with psychological problems. In 2025 the department will move to its new home in The Life and Mind building. This exciting development will provide exceptional research and teaching facilities along with space for public engagement and outreach. It also offers renewed commitment to work across disciplinary boundaries to further knowledge across the psychological and biological sciences and to solve major global challenges. See: https://lifeandmind.web.ox.ac.uk/ Research in the Department is supported by an extensive range of laboratory and IT facilities. The Department has a wide portfolio of research grants from UK and international charities, Research Councils and government organizations, the EU Scientific Programme, NIHR, and industrial sources. Much of the work is collaborative with other Departments and often includes work in hospitals, schools and industrial settings both locally and further afield. Many researchers in the Department also have collaborative research programmes with leading institutions elsewhere in the UK, in Europe, North America, and Japan. At the undergraduate level, the Department is the focus for lectures, classes, practicals, and research projects. It is a centre used by the undergraduates from all colleges for the Experimental Psychology (EP), Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics (PPL), and Biomedical Science (BMS) courses. The Department provides lecture rooms, IT facilities and laboratories for experimental and project work. The Department also hosts two Masters level courses. MSc in Psychological Research and MSc in Neuroscience: For more information please visit: http://www.psy.ox.ac.uk. The Department of Experimental Psychology is strongly committed to equality and valuing diversity, and we operate a flexible working policy for all staff. The Department holds a departmental Silver Athena award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. 5 The Department of Biology The Departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences have recently merged to form a new Department of Biology, and two to three years before we move into a major new building dedicated to the science of life and mind. The Departments of Plant Sciences and Zoology are recognised internationally for our research in a wide range of fields spanning all levels from molecules to ecosystems, and tackling fundamental problems in evolutionary ecology, disease biology, evolutionary mechanisms, conservation biology, biodiversity, evolutionary developmental biology, plant biology and animal behaviour. Over time, the research interests of the department have diversified so that much of the research focusses on bacteria, viruses, animal-plant interactions and global biodiversity as well as more traditional models. Research is conducted in all spheres from laboratory and in silico analysis to theoretical and field-based research; at all times we seek to reinforce the connections between research and graduate and undergraduate education. The Departments jointly teach the four-year undergraduate degree course in Biology, with fourth-year students doing a Masters-level research project. External research income to the Departments is derived from over 50 different funding agencies, with the principal current funders being the European Research Council, the Royal Society, the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC and NERC. The Departments have a significant track record in enabling the broader societal impact of research, including the provision of policy to government at the highest level, as well as supporting the commercialisation of research through spin-out companies and licensing arrangements that have generated hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of innovation. The main Departments are located in the University’s Science Area and will move into a new £200m building in 2025 that will include extensive laboratory provision with controlled environment rooms, glasshouses and an imaging suite. We will share this building with the Department of Experimental Psychology, opening new avenues for collaboration and exploration of the life and mind sciences. The Departments also have extensive facilities the John Krebs Field Station at Wytham (with Wytham Woods nearby). For more information please visit: www.biology.ox.ac.uk How to apply Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants) Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. If you currently work for the University, please note that: - as part of the referencing process, we will contact your current department to confirm basic employment details including reason for leaving 6 - although employees may hold multiple part-time posts, they may not hold more than the equivalent of a full time post. If you are offered this post, and accepting it would take you over the equivalent of full-time hours, you will be expected to resign from, or reduce hours in, your other posts(s) before starting work in the new post. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs advice is available at: Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly: hr@psy.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82, which with effect from 1 October 2023 will be 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. 7 No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 8 Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for all University staff. The University Club offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service website includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependents. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits With one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector, and a range of flexible working options, Oxford aims to be a family-friendly employer. We also subscribe to the Work+Family Space, a service that provides practical advice and support for employees who have caring responsibilities. The service offers a free telephone advice line, and the ability to book emergency back-up care for children, adult dependents and elderly relatives. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/my-family-care Childcare The University has excellent childcare services, including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at many other private nurseries. For full details, including how to apply and the costs, see https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/ Disabled staff We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further details, including information about how to make contact, in confidence, with the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, see https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including the Oxford Research Staff Society, BME staff network, LGBT+ staff network and a disabled staff network. You can find more information at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is an organisation run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. 9
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Research Grade 7: £38,674 - £46,913 per annum
About the role The person appointed to this role will work with the PIs to design and execute experiments to study the sensory systems of insects. Specifically, the scientist appointed to this role will employ methods such as electrophysiology, biological imaging, histology, laser vibrometry and behavioural assays to study the gustatory system in bees and vibration sensing in a variety of insects and arthropods. Additionally, they will work with the PIs to develop new grant proposals, write manuscripts, analyze data, attend scientific conferences, and co-supervise Master’s and DPhil level students. About you The ideal candidate will have an outstanding track record in publishing and research in the area of insect neuroethology. This person will be skilled in using electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, molecular pharmacology techniques to study the nervous system of insect species. They will also be experienced in the development, implementation, and analysis of assays of arthropod behaviour. They will have experience in writing, budgeting, and administering grant applications. They will also be well-acquainted with lab-appropriate safety procedures and protocols. How to apply Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system. Your supporting statement should explain how to meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is a fixed term, full time position and available immediately. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 29th April.
We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a motivated individual to join a new buildings operations team within the Life and Mind Building (LaMB) as a Building Technician. The Life and Mind Building is currently under construction and is the largest building project the University has ever undertaken. It will house advanced research laboratories as well as modern lecture theatres and will significantly improve the way psychological and biological science is undertaken in Oxford, helping scientists to solve some of our major global challenges. It will be home to the Department of Experimental Psychology and the Department of Biology. As a Building Technician, you will work closely with the Deputy Building & Facilities Manager (Operations) to effectively maintain the infrastructure of the LaMB. This will involve carrying out routine repairs, maintenance and supervision of some contractors working within the building. You will be responsible for prioritising both reactive and preventative maintenance tasks and respond to work request forms submitted by the occupying departments. Working alongside several other Facility Technicians and within a broader Building Management team, you will ensure work is carried out in a timely fashion and to appropriate standards. As a large, multi-disciplinary research facility, the LaMB will accommodate a variety of wet-chemistry labs, specialist analytical suites, controlled environment rooms and highly sensitive analytical equipment. The role holder will be expected to have a thorough understanding of the Health and Safety requirements of working in such environments, as well as the ability to work meticulously according to standard operating procedures. It is essential that the role holder have experience in writing, modifying and working according to risk assessments and understand the requirement to routine evaluate and adapt them when there is a procedural change. A flexible approach is required to working hours and the post holder will be expected to cover additional hours or swap shift patterns from time to time. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This position is offered full time on a permanent contract. Only applications received before 12 midday on Wednesday 30 April 2025 will be considered. Interviews are likely to take place in early May 2025.
Job description Post Postdoctoral Research Associate Department Department of Biology Division Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) Location Biology Department, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, you may be relocated to the new Life and Mind Building when it is ready Grade and salary Researcher Grade 7.1 - £7.4: £38,674 - £41,997 per annum Hours Full time Contract type Fixed-term contract till 31 March 2026 Reporting to Prof. Renier van der Hoorn Application deadline 12 noon Thursday 24th April Vacancy reference 178822 Recruitment contacts HR: recruitment@biology.ox.ac.uk Research topic Molecular Plant-pathogen Interactions Principal Investigator / supervisor Professor Renier van der Hoorn Project team The Plant Chemetics Laboratory Project web site www.plantchemetics.org Funding partner The funds supporting this research project are provided by ERC Recent publications Homma, F., Huang, J., Van der Hoorn, R. A. L. (2023) AlphaFoldmultimer predicts cross-kingdom interactions at the plant-pathogen interface. Nat. Comm. 14, 6040. Sueldo, S., Godson, A., Kaschani, F., Krahn, D., Kessenbrock, T., Buscaill, P., Schofield, C., Kaiser, M., and Van der Hoorn, R. A. L. (2024) Activity-based proteomics uncovers suppressed hydrolases and a neo-functionalised antibacterial enzyme at the plant-pathogen interface. New Phytol. 241, 394-408.; The role Performing research on newly identified pathogen-manipulated host targets in the plant apoplast. This involves protein-protein interaction studies, enzymatic assays, genetic manipulation and bacterial disease assays. Reporting to the Principal Investigator: Renier van der Hoorn. The post holder is a member of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research on plant immunity and host manipulation by plant pathogens. The post holder provides guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including postdocs, research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students. Responsibilities • Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines • Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols • Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate • Contribute ideas for new research projects • Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers • Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters • Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment • Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques • Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone • Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups • Embed the principles of mutual respect, equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability in all aspects of your work; undertake training as and when asked to do so. • Teach or undertake ad-hoc teaching (this may include lecturing, demonstrating, small group teaching, tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students and supervision of projects). Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • • Hold, or be close to completion, of a relevant PhD/Dphil, together with relevant experience Experience in AI-based structural predictions of plant-pathogen interactions • • • • Track record of scientific publications in related research area Experience working with Nicotiana benthamiana and/or Pseudomonas syringae Excellent communication skills, including data presentation Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation Desirable selection criteria • • Experience in analysing molecular structure information Experience in molecular cloning and protein expression and purification Pre-employment screening Standard checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. If you have previously worked for the University we will also verify key information such as your dates of employment and reason for leaving your previous role with the department/unit where you worked. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties This job includes hazards or safety-critical activities. If you are offered the post, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will be assessed by our Occupational Health Service, and the offer of employment will be subject a successful outcome of this assessment. The hazards or safety-critical duties involved are as follows: • Work with allergens, Eg laboratory animals, pollen, dust, fish or insects etc. • Work with any substance which has any of the following pictograms on their MSDS: About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin-outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. The Department of Biology You will be joining the Department of Biology at an exciting time. The Department established from August 2022 as a result of a merger between the Departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences, and is preparing to move into the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building in 2025. The Department of Biology is recognised internationally for its research in a wide range of fields spanning all levels from molecules to ecosystems, and tackling global challenges through fundamental bioscience research. Over time, the research interests of the Department has been focused on five primary themes: Behaviour & Biomechanics; Ecology & Conservation; Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology & Infectious Disease; and Molecular Plant Biology. Research is conducted in all spheres from laboratory and in silico analysis to theoretical and field-based research. At all times we seek to reinforce the connections between research and our education offering, at both graduate and undergraduate level. The Department teaches a four-year undergraduate degree MBiol course in Biology, with fourth-year students undertaking a Masters-level research project. It also supports a variety of graduate placements and hosts the University’s DPhil in Biology. External research income to the Department is derived from over 50 different funding agencies, with the principal current funders being the European Research Council, the Royal Society, the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC and NERC. The Department has a significant record in integrating broader societal impacts of its research, including the provision of policy to government at the highest level, as well as supporting the commercialisation of research through spin-out companies and licensing arrangements that have generated hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of innovation. The Department is located in the University’s Science Area at two sites and will move into the new £200m Life and Mind Building in 2024 that will include extensive laboratory provision with controlled environment rooms, glasshouses and an imaging suite. The Department also benefits from extensive facilities at the John Krebs Field Station at Wytham, with Wytham Woods nearby, as well as partnerships with organisations in the area such as the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Oxford Natural History Museum. For more information please visit: https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk The Department of Biology holds a bronze Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. About the Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of the University, alongside the Humanities, Social Sciences and Medical Sciences Divisions. It is led by an academic Head of Division (Professor Jim Naismith) and an administrative Divisional Registrar (Dr Tracy Gale) and comprises nine of the University’s academic departments – Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering Science, Materials, the Mathematical Institute, Physics, and Statistics – as well as Begbroke Science Park, the multidisciplinary Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research and an interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Centre. MPLS is proud to be home to some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders in academia, whose interdisciplinary research is tackling major societal and technological challenges, from new energy solutions or improved cancer treatments to understanding climate change processes and helping to preserve biodiversity, tackling antimicrobial resistance, advancing AI and quantum technologies and space exploration, and much more. The quality and impact of our work have been recognised by successive rounds of the national Research Excellence Framework and Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework exercises, and our departments frequently top the major higher education league tables. We teach around 7,300 students (including around 3,400 graduate students) and are playing a key part in training the next generation of leading scientists. Divisional activity is co-ordinated and represented by the MPLS Divisional Office based at 9 Parks Road, in the heart of Oxford’s Science Area. The Divisional Office, which is led by the Divisional Registrar, has around 55 dedicated members of staff, as well as a number of colleagues who are embedded in divisional teams but based in central University services (e.g. in Finance, HR and Development). To find out more, please visit: www.mpls.ox.ac.uk. How to apply Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants) Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. If you currently work for the University please note that: - as part of the referencing process, we will contact your current department to confirm basic employment details including reason for leaving although employees may hold multiple part-time posts, they may not hold more than the equivalent of a full time post. If you are offered this post, and accepting it would take you over the equivalent of full-time hours, you will be expected to resign from, or reduce hours in, your other posts(s) before starting work in the new post. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly at Recruitment@Biology.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82 of 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, flexible working options, travel discounts including salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles and electric cars and other discounts. Staff can access a huge range of personal and professional development opportunities. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits Employee Assistance Programme As part of our wellbeing offering staff get free access to Health Assured, a confidential employee assistance programme, available 24/7 for 365 days a year. Find out more https://staff.admin.ox.ac.uk/health-assured-eap University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for University staff. It offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ Reimbursement Policy: https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/reimbursement-policy There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependants. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits We are a family-friendly employer with one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector (see https://hr.web.ox.ac.uk/family-leave). Our Childcare Services team provides guidance and support on childcare provision, and offers a range of high-quality childcare options at affordable prices for staff. In addition to 5 University nurseries, we partner with a number of local providers to offer in excess of 450 full time nursery places to our staff. Eligible parents are able to pay for childcare through salary sacrifice, further reducing costs. See https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/. Supporting disability and health-related issues (inc menopause) We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions, including those experiencing negative effects of menopause. Information about the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, is at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support. For information about how we support those going through menopause see https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/menopause-guidance Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including for research staff, BME staff, LGBT+ staff, disabled staff network and those going through menopause. Find out more at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. Research staff The Researcher Hub supports all researchers on fixed-term contracts. They aim to help you settle in comfortably, make connections, grow as a person, extend your research expertise and approach your next career step with confidence. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/supportresearchers/researcher-hub Oxford’s Research Staff Society is a collective voice for our researchers. They also organise social and professional networking activities for researchers. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/support-researchers/connecting-other-researchers/oxfordresearch-staff-society
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Peter Medawar the Building 3 S Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3SY, you may be relocated to the new Life and Mind Building when it is ready
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Department of Biology on a collaborative project between the Fitz-James and McLean labs investigating the molecular mechanisms of insect polyphenism. Polyphenism is an extreme case of plasticity in which individuals can adopt highly distinct phenotypic identities depending on environmental conditions. One such case occurs in the pea aphid _Acyrthosiphon pisum_ , in which females can develop into winged or non-winged morphs, triggered by crowding. Aphid females reproduce parthenogenetically, highlighting the fact that these phenotypic differences are due to epigenetic factors and representing a useful system to study these differences in the absence of genetic variation. This project will investigate the epigenetic signals that underpin aphid wing polyphenism at the molecular level, using techniques such as ATAC-seq and Cut&Run, coupled with gene expression analysis by RNA-seq. You will be a highly motivated individual, with experience in molecular biology research in aphids. You will be responsible for managing and carrying out your own research project combining expertise between two groups within the department. You will hold, or be close to completion, of a relevant PhD and have experience analyzing high-throughput sequencing data. Excellent communication skills and the ability to present your work and contribute to publications is essential. The post is advertised for an initial period of 1 year with a possibility of extension for an additional year. However, the post-holder will be expected to apply for independently-funded fellowships or contribute to the securing of additional funding required to carry on the project beyond this time. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Fitz-James at maximilian.fitz- james@biology.ox.ac.uk. Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is full time and is available from 14 July 2025. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 14 May 2025, interviews are likely to be scheduled for late May 2025. 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.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Insect Biology
**TWO** exciting opportunities to be part of the multimillion Ineos-Oxford Institute (IOI) for AMR Research within the Department of Biology, University of Oxford. Joining the IOI, and Sheppard and Maiden Labs, the researcher will be part of the cross- disciplinary Mtb Grand Challenge Team. The researcher will analyze large bacterial genome collections, infer protein structures and identify and understand drug targets and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in _Mycobacteria._ MOLECULAR/COMPUTATIONAL MICROBIOLOGIST/BIOCHEMIST (Postdoctoral Research Associate) The successful candidate will develop and apply genome/protein analysis pipelines for _Mycobacteria_ genomics and drug target identification. Bioinformatics techniques will include database-driven analyses, quantitative comparative genomics approaches, and inference of drug-target interactions. They will hold, or be close to completion of, a degree in a relevant subject (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, bioinformatics, genomics) and have genome and protein analysis experience. They will also have interest in _in silico_ drug target identification in _Mycobacteria_ demonstrable enthusiasm for the projects. While being independent researchers able to take the initiative, they will also work closely with other researchers within the Sheppard/Maiden Labs and the IOI, to integrate their work within the broader research programme. With excellent communication skills, applicants will be able to write for publication, present research proposals and results, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, and represent the research team at meetings and conferences. The posts will be based at the New Life and Mind Building (www.lifeandmind.web.ox.ac.uk). These are full-time fixed term post for 2 years 7 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (GMT) on Friday 2nd May, interviews are likely to be scheduled for mid-end May. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. Further information: Ineos Oxford Institute: www.ineosoxford.ox.ac.uk/evolution-amr Department of Biology: www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/samuel-sheppard Sheppardlab: https://sheppardlab.com/
Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS
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The arms race at the plant-pathogen interface is a fascinating field of biology that can deliver important new, strategies for crop protection. Within this ERC-funded project, we used chemical proteomics to discover secreted plant proteins of Nicotiana benthamiana that are manipulated by Pseudomonas syringae during infection (e.g. Sueldo et al., New Phytol. 2024) and used artificial intelligence (e.g. Homma et al., Nat. Comm 2023) to predict pathogen proteins that might be responsible for this manipulation. This project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning extracellular manipulation of the host during infection. You will use co-immunoprecipitation to verify predicted protein-protein interactions and establish enzymatic assays and activity-based labelling to demonstrate the effect of target manipulation. You will use reverse genetics to deplete the components from both plant and pathogen to demonstrate their importance in pathogen virulence and plant immunity. We seek an enthusiastic colleague who has extensive experience in molecular cloning, protein expression and purification and who is keen to collaborate in an interdisciplinary research team. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system. Your supporting statement should explain how to meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is a fixed term, full time position and available immediately. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 24th April, interviews are likely to be scheduled for late April/ early May. For further inquiries, please contact renier.vanderhoorn@biology.ox.ac.uk
Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Microbiology and Immunology
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Department of Biology on a collaborative project between the Fitz-James and McLean labs investigating the molecular mechanisms of insect polyphenism. Polyphenism is an extreme case of plasticity in which individuals can adopt highly distinct phenotypic identities depending on environmental conditions. One such case occurs in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, in which females can develop into winged or non-winged morphs, triggered by crowding. Aphid females reproduce parthenogenetically, highlighting the fact that these phenotypic differences are due to epigenetic factors and representing a useful system to study these differences in the absence of genetic variation. This project will investigate the epigenetic signals that underpin aphid wing polyphenism at the molecular level, using techniques such as ATAC-seq and Cut&Run, coupled with gene expression analysis by RNA-seq. You will be a highly motivated individual, with experience in molecular biology research in aphids. You will be responsible for managing and carrying out your own research project combining expertise between two groups within the department. You will hold, or be close to completion, of a relevant PhD and have experience analyzing high-throughput sequencing data. Excellent communication skills and the ability to present your work and contribute to publications is essential. The post is advertised for an initial period of 1 year with a possibility of extension for an additional year. However, the post-holder will be expected to apply for independently-funded fellowships or contribute to the securing of additional funding required to carry on the project beyond this time. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Fitz-James at maximilian.fitz-james@biology.ox.ac.uk. Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is full time and is available from 14 July 2025. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 14 May 2025, interviews are likely to be scheduled for late May 2025. 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.
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Current vacancies at the University of Oxford
Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford
The arms race at the plant-pathogen interface is a fascinating field of biology that can deliver important new, strategies for crop protection. Within this ERC-funded project, we used chemical proteomics to discover secreted plant proteins of _Nicotiana benthamiana_ that are manipulated by _Pseudomonas syringae_ during infection (e.g. Sueldo et al., New Phytol. 2024) and used artificial intelligence (e.g. Homma et al., Nat. Comm 2023) to predict pathogen proteins that might be responsible for this manipulation. This project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning extracellular manipulation of the host during infection. You will use co- immunoprecipitation to verify predicted protein-protein interactions and establish enzymatic assays and activity-based labelling to demonstrate the effect of target manipulation. You will use reverse genetics to deplete the components from both plant and pathogen to demonstrate their importance in pathogen virulence and plant immunity. We seek an enthusiastic colleague who has extensive experience in molecular cloning, protein expression and purification and who is keen to collaborate in an interdisciplinary research team. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system. Your supporting statement should explain how to meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is a fixed term, full time position and available immediately. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 24th April, interviews are likely to be scheduled for late April/ early May. For further inquiries, please contact renier.vanderhoorn@biology.ox.ac.uk
**About the role** The person appointed to this role will work with the PIs to design and execute experiments to study the sensory systems of insects. Specifically, the scientist appointed to this role will employ methods such as electrophysiology, biological imaging, histology, laser vibrometry and behavioural assays to study the gustatory system in bees and vibration sensing in a variety of insects and arthropods. Additionally, they will work with the PIs to develop new grant proposals, write manuscripts, analyze data, attend scientific conferences, and co-supervise Master’s and DPhil level students. **About you** The ideal candidate will have an outstanding track record in publishing and research in the area of insect neuroethology. This person will be skilled in using electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, molecular pharmacology techniques to study the nervous system of insect species. They will also be experienced in the development, implementation, and analysis of assays of arthropod behaviour. They will have experience in writing, budgeting, and administering grant applications. They will also be well-acquainted with lab- appropriate safety procedures and protocols. **How to apply** Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system. Your supporting statement should explain how to meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is a fixed term, full time position and available immediately. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 29th April.
Job description Post Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Microbiology and Immunology Department Department of Biology Division Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) Location Peter Medawar the Building 3 S Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3SY, you may be relocated to the new Life and Mind Building when it is ready Grade and salary Researcher Grade 7.1 – 7.3: £38,674 - £40,855 per annum Hours Full time Contract type Fixed-term contract till 29TH Feb 2028 Reporting to Prof. Rachel Tanner Application deadline 12 noon Wednesday 7th May Vacancy reference 179206 Recruitment contacts HR: recruitment@biology.ox.ac.uk Research topic Microbiology, immunology, tuberculosis, drug development Principal Investigator / supervisor Prof. Rachel Tanner Project team Project web site Recent publications IOI Grand Challenge Consortium (Rachel Tanner, Alistair Farley, Helen McShane, Martin Maiden) https://www.ineosoxford.ox.ac.uk/ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=2LhJYZAAAAAJ&hl=en&oi= ao The role The work of the Tanner Lab is concerned with tuberculosis (TB) in humans and cattle, with a focus on drug and vaccine design and evaluation. In particular, we are interested in immune mechanisms/correlates of protection, characterising the specific and non-specific antibody responses to TB vaccines, and novel antigen discovery. We currently have projects exploring humoral correlates of protection in human TB challenge models, the effect of climate change on environmental mycobacteria, genetic variation in circulating M. bovis strains, and the development of functional models for high-throughput vaccine screening that align with the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) for the use of animals in scientific procedures. The post-holder will take a leading role in laboratory research for a new Ineos Oxford Institute (IOI)-funded project establishing a pipeline for novel TB drug development and will provide guidance and support to less experienced members of the group. You will be required to work under sterile conditions with mycobacterial strains (including drugsusceptible and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis), as well as cell, tissue and immunology samples in collaboration with a PI, Research Assistants, research students and the wider consortium, and to provide technical and administrative support. This includes planning and performing experiments, assay development and optimisation to a high standard as well as day-to-day laboratory duties. You will be extremely organised with proven experience in a laboratory environment including at Containment Level 3. You will have good interpersonal skills and be able to interact productively and accurately with other team members and collaborators. You will be based at the Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and the new Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford. Responsibilities  Work independently to plan and perform microbiological and immunological assays using preclinical and clinical samples; develop and optimise assay conditions; use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment, and maintain accurate records of all experimental work. Conduct laboratory work to a high standard following established standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, risk assessments, and in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulations where required; ensure that work in the laboratory is conducted safely using appropriate safety procedures, PPE, and in the correct designated areas.  Liaise closely with internal and external collaborators, which will include visits to their laboratories (particularly Birkbeck, University of London) for tech-transfer and training.  Analyse and interpret data and present results to the PI, group, wider consortium and department; represent the group at external meetings/seminars; write scientific manuscripts, new experimental protocols, risk assessments, and other documentation.  Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.  Contribute ideas for new research directions and projects, including developing ideas for generating research income and presenting proposals to senior researchers.  Provide training to and oversight of junior members of staff and co-supervise students working in the laboratory, providing technical and administrative assistance to all members of the group; act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols, experimental planning and techniques, data analysis and interpretation.  Oversee the daily housekeeping of the laboratory area and support junior researchers in performing tasks including reagent ordering and preparation, stock control of laboratory consumables, shipping and receipt of samples and reagents, biobanking, routine cleaning of equipment, and maintaining laboratory documentation, sample inventories and reagent information at the required level.  Be flexible in working hours, with a requirement to sometimes work later hours on weekdays and on weekends if experiments require; undertake other duties as may be required from time to time that are commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of this post.  Undertake mandatory training as required by the University, Division and Department. The specific list of training courses may change from time-to-time, in response to both legal and internal University requirements. Identify personal development needs and use all reasonable opportunities to maintain and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills.  Accord due regard to the University Equal Opportunities, IT Security and Data Protection policies; and to the Funder requirements for each project. Embed the principles of mutual respect, equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability in all aspects of your work; undertake associated training as and when asked to do so.  Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Department and the University. This is anticipated to be not more than 2 days per year.  Teach or undertake ad-hoc teaching (this may include lecturing, demonstrating, small group teaching, tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students and supervision of projects). Selection criteria Essential selection criteria  Hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil  Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the field of microbiology and immunology, including experience in culturing mycobacteria, sterile cell culture and performing routine immunological assays  Experience of working in Containment Level 2 and 3 laboratories  Ability to effectively manage a research project, organise own work and work independently with minimum supervision  Experience of training and supervising other staff/students in the laboratory  Experience of contributing to publications and presentations with excellent communication skills, and contributing ideas for new research projects and research income generation Desirable selection criteria  Experience in drug development and drug screening assays such as MIC, bactericidal assays, intracellular activity  Experience in handling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and performing functional ex vivo assays  Experience of working collaboratively including with external research institutes and groups Pre-employment screening Standard checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. If you have previously worked for the University we will also verify key information such as your dates of employment and reason for leaving your previous role with the department/unit where you worked. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties This job includes hazards or safety-critical activities. If you are offered the post, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will be assessed by our Occupational Health Service, and the offer of employment will be subject a successful outcome of this assessment. The hazards or safety-critical duties involved are as follows:  Night working (11pm-6am)  Lone Working  Driving on University business  Working with infectious pathogens (hazard group 2/3) - Hazard Group 3 pathogens  Working with blood, human products and human tissues  Work with allergens, Eg laboratory animals, pollen, dust, fish or insects etc.  Work with any substance which has any of the following pictograms on their MSDS:  Travel outside of Europe or North America on University Business About the University of Oxford Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin-outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. The Department of Biology You will be joining the Department of Biology at an exciting time. The Department established from August 2022 as a result of a merger between the Departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences, and is preparing to move into the new state-of-the-art Life and Mind Building in 2025. The Department of Biology is recognised internationally for its research in a wide range of fields spanning all levels from molecules to ecosystems, and tackling global challenges through fundamental bioscience research. Over time, the research interests of the Department has been focused on five primary themes: Behaviour & Biomechanics; Ecology & Conservation; Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology & Infectious Disease; and Molecular Plant Biology. Research is conducted in all spheres from laboratory and in silico analysis to theoretical and field-based research. At all times we seek to reinforce the connections between research and our education offering, at both graduate and undergraduate level. The Department teaches a four-year undergraduate degree MBiol course in Biology, with fourth-year students undertaking a Masters-level research project. It also supports a variety of graduate placements and hosts the University’s DPhil in Biology. External research income to the Department is derived from over 50 different funding agencies, with the principal current funders being the European Research Council, the Royal Society, the Wellcome Trust, BBSRC and NERC. The Department has a significant record in integrating broader societal impacts of its research, including the provision of policy to government at the highest level, as well as supporting the commercialisation of research through spin-out companies and licensing arrangements that have generated hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of innovation. The Department is located in the University’s Science Area at two sites and will move into the new £200m Life and Mind Building in 2024 that will include extensive laboratory provision with controlled environment rooms, glasshouses and an imaging suite. The Department also benefits from extensive facilities at the John Krebs Field Station at Wytham, with Wytham Woods nearby, as well as partnerships with organisations in the area such as the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Oxford Natural History Museum. For more information please visit: https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk The Department of Biology holds a bronze Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. About the Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of the University, alongside the Humanities, Social Sciences and Medical Sciences Divisions. It is led by an academic Head of Division (Professor Jim Naismith) and an administrative Divisional Registrar (Dr Tracy Gale) and comprises nine of the University’s academic departments – Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering Science, Materials, the Mathematical Institute, Physics, and Statistics – as well as Begbroke Science Park, the multidisciplinary Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research and an interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Centre. MPLS is proud to be home to some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders in academia, whose interdisciplinary research is tackling major societal and technological challenges, from new energy solutions or improved cancer treatments to understanding climate change processes and helping to preserve biodiversity, tackling antimicrobial resistance, advancing AI and quantum technologies and space exploration, and much more. The quality and impact of our work have been recognised by successive rounds of the national Research Excellence Framework and Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework exercises, and our departments frequently top the major higher education league tables. We teach around 7,300 students (including around 3,400 graduate students) and are playing a key part in training the next generation of leading scientists. Divisional activity is co-ordinated and represented by the MPLS Divisional Office based at 9 Parks Road, in the heart of Oxford’s Science Area. The Divisional Office, which is led by the Divisional Registrar, has around 55 dedicated members of staff, as well as a number of colleagues who are embedded in divisional teams but based in central University services (e.g. in Finance, HR and Development). To find out more, please visit: www.mpls.ox.ac.uk. How to apply Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants) Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. If you currently work for the University please note that: - as part of the referencing process, we will contact your current department to confirm basic employment details including reason for leaving although employees may hold multiple part-time posts, they may not hold more than the equivalent of a full time post. If you are offered this post, and accepting it would take you over the equivalent of full-time hours, you will be expected to resign from, or reduce hours in, your other posts(s) before starting work in the new post. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly at Recruitment@Biology.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82 of 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, flexible working options, travel discounts including salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles and electric cars and other discounts. Staff can access a huge range of personal and professional development opportunities. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits Employee Assistance Programme As part of our wellbeing offering staff get free access to Health Assured, a confidential employee assistance programme, available 24/7 for 365 days a year. Find out more https://staff.admin.ox.ac.uk/health-assured-eap University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for University staff. It offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ Reimbursement Policy: https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/reimbursement-policy There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependants. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits We are a family-friendly employer with one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector (see https://hr.web.ox.ac.uk/family-leave). Our Childcare Services team provides guidance and support on childcare provision, and offers a range of high-quality childcare options at affordable prices for staff. In addition to 5 University nurseries, we partner with a number of local providers to offer in excess of 450 full time nursery places to our staff. Eligible parents are able to pay for childcare through salary sacrifice, further reducing costs. See https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/. Supporting disability and health-related issues (inc menopause) We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions, including those experiencing negative effects of menopause. Information about the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, is at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support. For information about how we support those going through menopause see https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/menopause-guidance Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including for research staff, BME staff, LGBT+ staff, disabled staff network and those going through menopause. Find out more at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. Research staff The Researcher Hub supports all researchers on fixed-term contracts. They aim to help you settle in comfortably, make connections, grow as a person, extend your research expertise and approach your next career step with confidence. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/supportresearchers/researcher-hub Oxford’s Research Staff Society is a collective voice for our researchers. They also organise social and professional networking activities for researchers. Find out more https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/support-researchers/connecting-other-researchers/oxfordresearch-staff-society
TWO exciting opportunities to be part of the multimillion Ineos-Oxford Institute (IOI) for AMR Research within the Department of Biology, University of Oxford. Joining the IOI, and Sheppard and Maiden Labs, the researcher will be part of the cross- disciplinary Mtb Grand Challenge Team. The researcher will analyze large bacterial genome collections, infer protein structures and identify and understand drug targets and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Mycobacteria. MOLECULAR/COMPUTATIONAL MICROBIOLOGIST/BIOCHEMIST (Postdoctoral Research Associate) The successful candidate will develop and apply genome/protein analysis pipelines for Mycobacteria genomics and drug target identification. Bioinformatics techniques will include database-driven analyses, quantitative comparative genomics approaches, and inference of drug-target interactions. They will hold, or be close to completion of, a degree in a relevant subject (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, bioinformatics, genomics) and have genome and protein analysis experience. They will also have interest in in silico drug target identification in Mycobacteria demonstrable enthusiasm for the projects. While being independent researchers able to take the initiative, they will also work closely with other researchers within the Sheppard/Maiden Labs and the IOI, to integrate their work within the broader research programme. With excellent communication skills, applicants will be able to write for publication, present research proposals and results, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, and represent the research team at meetings and conferences. The posts will be based at the New Life and Mind Building (www.lifeandmind.web.ox.ac.uk). These are full-time fixed term post for 2 years 7 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (GMT) on Friday 2nd May, interviews are likely to be scheduled for mid-end May. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. Further information: Ineos Oxford Institute: www.ineosoxford.ox.ac.uk/evolution-amr Department of Biology: www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/samuel-sheppard Sheppardlab: https://sheppardlab.com/