Research Fellow in Ancient Pathogen Genomics (Internal Applicants Only)

Research Fellow in Ancient Pathogen Genomics

The main purpose of this position is to support the microbial genomics group in advancing research projects focused on pathogen evolution through the analysis of ancient and historical genomic datasets.

The postholder will contribute to studies investigating the evolutionary dynamics of Yersinia species, with a particular focus on Yersinia pestis and Yersinia ruckeri, for which ancient genomic datasets are already available within the group. The role will involve the analysis and interpretation of these datasets to help address questions relating to pathogen evolution, diversity, and change through time.

The postholder will also support the screening, validation, and analysis of additional historical and ancient pathogen datasets generated within the laboratory, including data derived from museomic specimens. They will contribute to the implementation and application of appropriate bioinformatic pipelines and quality-control procedures for working with ancient and historical microbial DNA.

An important component of the role will be to support more junior members of the team, providing guidance and practical assistance in the use of relevant analytical pipelines, workflows, and best-practice approaches for ancient pathogen genomics.

This is an Internal recruitment advert, available to eligible UCL workers only.

• Interview Date(s) are scheduled for: 7/10/2026
• This role is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 26/04/2027 in the first instance.
• Research Fellows – A PhD is an essential criterion for this role in relevant subject area; Where the successful candidate is close to completion and awaiting their formal PhD award, the initial appointment will be made at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £39,107–£42,891 per annum). The appointment will transfer to Grade 7 following confirmation of the PhD award, with the Grade 7 salary backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.
• We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
• This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

  You will have a PhD in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline, together with demonstrated expertise in the analysis of ancient pathogen genomic datasets, including experience working with Yersinia species.

  You will bring strong practical experience in standard bioinformatics and phylogenetic workflows and be able to develop, apply, and document reproducible analytical pipelines and code.

  In this role, you will be expected to independently analyse and validate ancient and historical pathogen genomic datasets, generate robust evolutionary and phylogenetic insights, and contribute to advancing research on the evolutionary dynamics of Yersinia species. You will also help ensure that analytical approaches are reproducible and consistently applied across projects, while supporting junior team members in developing the skills required to confidently use relevant bioinformatic pipelines and workflows.

  In addition to developing and conducting your research, you will communicate results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at local, national, and international conferences.

  The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.

  As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

  • 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
  • Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
  • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
  • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
  • Immigration loan
  • Relocation scheme for certain posts
  • On-Site nursery
  • On-site gym
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
  • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
  • Discounted medical insurance

    Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

    As London's Global University, we know that diversity and inclusion are fundamental drivers of creativity, innovation, and excellence, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong, thrive, and reach our full potential. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

    Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/.