Assistant/Associate Professor in Pathogen Genetics

Applications are invited for an Assistant or Associate Professorship in Pathogen Genetics to be held in the Department of Genetics. We are searching for a talented individual with a track record of fundamental or applied research on the genetics of pathogens or host-pathogen interactions and a strong commitment to teaching. The post is available from 1st October 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

We welcome applications from researchers in the broad field of pathogen biology, whose research addresses fundamental questions at any level of biological organisation, including molecular and cellular mechanisms of infection, immunity and resistance, dynamics within hosts and populations, and evolution and population genetics. Research can focus on any pathogen or host, including humans, other animals and plants. We are particularly interested in candidates who use genetic and genomic approaches, whether experimental, computational or theoretical.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in a relevant subject area and show evidence of research excellence that is reflected in their published work (including pre-prints), as well as the vision and ability to attract grant funding to support an internationally leading research programme (including a track record commensurate with experience). Applicants will also have an aptitude and enthusiasm for teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and will be expected to contribute to the teaching and other academic activities in the Department. The successful applicant will be motivated to develop innovative teaching in the School of Biological Sciences, across areas such as genetics, pathogen biology, mathematical biology or evolution.

The Department offers an outstanding research and teaching environment with considerable strengths in pathogen biology, genome biology, evolution and population genetics, and computational and mathematical biology. The Department houses the Pathogen Dynamics Unit (PDU), a research grouping applying epidemiology, disease ecology, and traditional microbiology to real-world problems in human infectious disease through genomics, laboratory experimentation and mathematical modelling. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with impactful research programmes focused on computational and/or experimental approaches to pathogen biology that synergise with ongoing research in the PDU and the wider infection biology community across the School of Biological Sciences.

Across the Department and School of Biological Sciences we will provide laboratory and office space, and access to containment facilities, imaging, genomics and high-performance computing. The starting salary is dependent on the level of appointment being made, as determined by the Selection Committee. Assistant Professorships are in the range of £47,389 - £59,966 per annum; Associate Professorships are in the range of £63,606 - £67,468 per annum.

The Department is committed to the Athena SWAN Charter to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women and other under-represented groups in science. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. Appointment will be based on merit alone. As a signatory of DORA, the Department is committed to assessing research on its own merits not on the basis of the journal in which it is published.

Click the 'APPLY through the University of Cambridge recruitment system' button below to be taken to the University jobs page, register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that in the Upload section of the online application you provide:

  • A document containing your Curriculum Vitae (CV), research publications list, and a brief narrative (300 words maximum per output) on each of the three outputs you consider most significant. The Department is committed to the responsible use of bibliometrics and applicants are asked not to include uncontextualized citation counts, Journal Impact Factors or H-index metrics in their applications.
  • A statement of research of no more than two pages, outlining your current and future research plans, with an emphasis on how these will address fundamental questions in pathogen biology and how they will complement and extend research in the Department and across Cambridge.
  • A one-page statement focusing on (i) your teaching experience and interests, (ii) your contributions to and/or vision for open research and improving research culture, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Prospective candidates are invited to contact Professor Steve Russell for further information.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th November 2026 at midnight.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates are planned for January 2027.

Please quote reference PC51175 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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