This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.
Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate in Computational Biology
School of Biosciences
We are seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Bioinformatician for a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of microbial genomics and national defence. As part of the GHOST project, funded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the postholder will help develop advanced bioinformatics tools to detect engineered pathogens through investigation of anomalous genomic signals. This role offers an exciting chance to work in the new and impactful field of Microbial Forensics.
The postholder will contribute to the development and testing computational tools for detecting Genomic Hallmarks of Synthetic and Transposable elements (GHOSTs), support the integration of these tools into national biosurveillance systems, and collaborate with public health and defence stakeholders to enhance the UK’s readiness for biological threats.
The successful applicant will have a PhD in bioinformatics (or relevant industrial experience), computational biology, or a related field, with proven expertise in 'omics data analysis and statistical modelling.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be directed, in the first instance, to Dr. Arthur Morris at [email protected]..
The position is full time (35 hours a week) and is fixed term for a period of 4 months or until 31st December 2026, whichever is sooner.
Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.
Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave pro rata'd (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It's an exciting and vibrant place to work with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.
Closing date: Wednesday, 8 July 2026
External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We especially welcome and encourage applications from those under-represented groups within the University workforce, such as those who identify as LGBT+, Ethnic Minority or those with disabilities. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.