Infection resilience
We break down barriers between fundamental science and frontline medicine. Our research bridges the gap between how diseases work at the molecular level and how they impact real people. By pioneering new methodologies and tools, we’re building a complete, systems-level understanding of infectious diseases - and how to stop them.
With access to advanced biocontainment facilities and powerful multi-omic technologies, our teams develop transformative therapies and preventative strategies. Whether it's stopping the next pandemic or building long-term resilience, we are ready to respond - with impact.
Eligibility
Candidates will be expected to have a PhD in a discipline relating to their fellowship proposal, and at least three years of postdoctoral experience in an academic, research and development (R&D) or policy environment.
Candidates must apply against one of our defined Frontier Focus areas listed below, and clearly articulate their vision in their outline research proposal. Please do not apply for more than one focus area.
N.B. Host departments listed in each Frontier Focus area are purely indicative to aid the internal handling of applications. Successful candidates will be placed in the most appropriate University department for their discipline.
Frontier focus areas
Artificial intelligence in rational vaccine design
- Host institute: Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
- Host department: Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology.
Fellowship in this research area will explore the application of AI in the rational design of vaccines, including epitope prediction and optimisation to enhance immunogenicity and protection against infectious diseases of high global disease burden, through AI-driven epitope discovery for both T and B cell responses.
In particular, the research should seek improved understanding and predictive capability across emerging viruses and other pathogens where traditional vaccine design has proven time consuming and challenging.
Success in this area will offer transformative insights in identifying and optimising vaccine candidates to improve precision and speed of development, accelerating preclinical development and providing the precision and efficacy of next-generation vaccines. The ability to contribute to pandemic preparedness and global vaccine equity would be particularly valuable.
AI-powered pangenomic surveillance for infectious disease preparedness
- Host institute: Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
- Host department: Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour.
Fellowship in this research area will explore Pathogen pangenomes - comprehensive collections of all genes found across strains of a species - represent the complete genetic diversity and evolutionary potential of infectious agents. The research should develop AI frameworks to analyse pathogen pangenomes in real-time, enabling predictive surveillance for emerging infectious threats.
Expected outcomes include novel AI algorithms for pangenomic analysis, predictive models for pathogen evolution, and decision-support tools for clinical and public health applications. The programme aims to strengthen global preparedness through data-driven early warning systems, supporting public health decision-making and enhancing understanding of pathogen diversity and evolution.
This fellowship will align with national and international genomic surveillance efforts to anticipate and mitigate future outbreaks.
Using deep learning to predict the outcome of high-consequence infectious diseases
- Host institute: Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
- Host department: Infection Biology and Microbiomes.
Fellowship in this research area will explore the use of deep learning in high-consequence infectious disease such as Ebola virus and MERS-coronavirus (MERS-CoV), that feature on the UK Government and WHO priority pathogens list. The research will integrate multi-omics and clinical data to identify biomarkers of severity and recovery.
Emphasis will be placed on developing interpretable AI models to support patient triage and clinical decision-making. Collaboration with WHO, MSF and clinical partners is encouraged to translate computational advances into real-world outbreak response, improving care and resource allocation in high-risk infectious disease settings.
The programme will build capacity for rapid, data-driven responses to future epidemics, linking AI innovation to global health resilience.
How to apply
Click here to apply for this fellowship via our e-recruitment site.