Research Associate - Statistical Genetics & Immunotherapy

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to become involved in an international, collaborative project jointly funded by the European Commission (Horizon 2020 via UKRI Guarantee Fund) and the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) for Ageing and Multiple Long Term Conditions, entitled, Stratification of Patients using advanced Integrative modelling of Data Routinely acquired for diagnosing Rheumatic complaints (SPIDeRR).

Involving a total of 20 partners/institutions across Europe, the ambition of this data science consortium is to leverage electronic health record (EHR) data from primary and secondary care settings alongside available genetic and other biological datasets to develop novel tools for streamlining diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, thereby improving both the experience and outcomes of service-users presenting with musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints in the future.

We seek a highly motivated and methodologically-focussed researcher with excellent statistical and computational skills to contribute cutting-edge methods development in a clinically relevant research area with strong translational potential.

You will help resolve the additive diagnostic and/or prognostic value of genome-wide genetic information alongside routinely available clinical and other biological data in people with musculoskeletal complaints.

Working as part of a team, you will help discern the discriminatory utility of published polygenic risk scores (PRSs) in pooled cohorts of people using rheumatology services across the UK and the EU. Using available multi-omics datasets (including SNP genotypes, gene expression, CpG methylation and serum proteomics), you will furthermore develop and deploy novel statistical approaches to unravel causal pathways in the development/progression of immune-mediated disease.

You will hold a PhD and demonstrate enthusiasm to develop experience in statistical genetics and data science. You will benefit from the sharing of ideas across our broad, collaborative network, in turn supporting skills development amongst students and colleagues within the group and presenting your findings at national and international fora.

This post is fixed-term for a period of 36 months.

For informal enquiries contact: Dr Arthur G Pratt (arthur.pratt@newcastle.ac.uk) or Professor Heather Cordell (heather.cordell@newcastle.ac.uk).

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