Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09339

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

43,981-52,586

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

25-Sep-2025

About us

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The Faculty of Life Sciences is an exciting and dynamic environment driving forward ambitious and challenging plans for future development. We are committed to enhancing research and teaching in relation to major global challenges, including disease, climate change, sustainability, technological change and the data revolution, and inequality. Ranked No. 1 in London and No. 10 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2021) the Faculty offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences.



The Faculty is made up of five academic Divisions; the School of Pharmacy, Biosciences, the Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neurocircuits and Behaviour and the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit. In addition it is home to a specialist teaching facility; the Cruciform Teaching Facilities Unit. Some of the constituent parts of the Faculty have long and distinguished histories that can be traced back to the early 19th century when UCL was founded and we are proud to have nine Nobel Laureates associated with Life Sciences.



Research is integrated into many of our degrees giving students the opportunity to make an original contribution to their field of study. The Faculty builds on research strengths in cell and developmental biology, computational biology, evolutionary and population genetics, cellular and circuits neuroscience, and structural and molecular biology to improve lives and communities and create real world impact.



Biosciences is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.



The work of the van Dorp lab at UCL (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/~ucbpvan/) harnesses novel data sources, whole genome sequencing and advanced computational methods to unravel the evolutionary history and drivers of genetic diversity in major human and veterinary pathogens, both past and present.

About the role

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We are seeking an enthusiastic, ambitious, and creative postdoctoral researcher with expertise in both wet-lab techniques and computational genomics to join the van Dorp lab at the UCL Genetics Institute. This UKRI-funded role will contribute to a cutting-edge project reconstructing the evolutionary drivers of zoonotic pathogens.



The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team studying historic and ancient pathogen genomes--derived from archaeological, archival, and clinical materials--to uncover the adaptive evolution and transmission histories of infectious diseases. You will work with exceptional samples and datasets spanning both pre- and post-drug eras, including lineages that are now eradicated.



In this role, you will generate data from these unique samples and lead analyses using allele frequency time series to assess population structure, calibrate evolutionary rates, and map adaptive evolution. While the primary focus will be on eukaryotic pathogens from human and animal hosts, there will also be opportunities to explore bacterial and viral pathogens from a range of sources.



This is a fixed-term role until January 2028 in the first instance.

Research Fellows -

'Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary 38,357 - 41,005 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being 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 role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 60% on site.



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.



A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.



If you have any queries about the role, please contact Lucy van Dorp at lucy.dorp.12@ucl.ac.uk.



If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.

About you

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We are looking for someone with a PhD in genomics or a related field, with a track record of publishing in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. You should bring proven experience in microbial genomics alongside practical expertise in whole-genome sequencing data generation workflows. Strong computational analysis skills are essential, including proficiency in at least one programming language such as R, Python, or C/C++. The role requires a collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working across disciplines.



You will work closely with Dr. van Dorp, taking a leading role in high-impact research projects in ancient DNA, microbial genomics, and pathogen evolution. You will have scope to develop your own research ideas, contribute to grant proposals, and supervise students if desired. We provide a stimulating, supportive environment that fosters independent thinking and career development, including support for fellowship applications.



You must have (or be soon to obtain) a PhD in genetics, computational biology, biology or similar area. You must have expertise in molecular biology laboratory protocols (DNA and RNA extractions, quantification and quality control, preparation of sequencing libraries) together with broad knowledge of bioinformatics methodologies. Proven knowledge in either phylogenetic analysis and/or population genetics is required. While previous experience working with ancient DNA would be an advantage, it is not a prerequisite.

What we offer

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The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work - please 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.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, 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.



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; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.



Our division holds an Athena SWAN Bronze 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/