Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Pandemic Epidemiology

Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Pandemic Epidemiology

University of Oxford – Pandemic Sciences Institute
Oxford, UK (on-site)

The Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Pandemic Epidemiology to advance innovative research on epidemiological modelling and benchmarking. This full‑time, fixed‑term position supports a project funded by Google.org through its Health AI Programme and is based at the Pandemic Sciences Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford.

The successful candidate will work within an interdisciplinary research environment to contribute to the development of a benchmarking framework for epidemiological models, encompassing disease forecasting, spatiotemporal outbreak reconstruction, phylodynamic and phylogeographic inference, and epidemiological parameter estimation. The role involves close collaboration with researchers across multiple disciplines—including computational epidemiology, evolutionary biology, computer science, and software engineering—to design, implement, and maintain robust benchmarking tools that help shape how the field evaluates and compares new modelling and inference methods.

You will also have opportunities for funded training and professional development within the Data Analytics and Epidemiology (DAE) group at the institute.

Applicants should hold, or be nearing completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant quantitative discipline such as epidemiology, computational biology, computer science, biostatistics, mathematical modelling or another closely related field. Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in infectious disease modelling and interdisciplinary research and should be capable of contributing independently to complex scientific projects.

• Proven experience in computational epidemiology, mathematical modelling or quantitative research relevant to infectious disease dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain software and technical tools, with proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or similar.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplinary teams involving scientists, engineers and public health stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex concepts to diverse research audiences.
• Genuine enthusiasm for continuing professional development and the ability to engage with evolving research challenges.

The salary for this post is in the range of £39,424 to £47,779 per year
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Applications must be received by Monday 16 March 2026 at 12:00 midday (UK time).