Research Associate in Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology

Job Summary

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher with experience in genetic and/or molecular epidemiology to work on a Cancer Research UK-funded 3-year project to identify molecular mechanisms linking adiposity to pancreatic cancer risk.

You will apply genetic epidemiological (e.g. Mendelian randomization, colocalization) and conventional observational approaches to understand key molecular intermediates (e.g. circulating proteins, single-cell gene expression, tumour molecular characteristics) linking excess adiposity to pancreatic cancer risk across diverse cohort studies.

You will be based at the School of Public Health at Imperial College London but will also work with a broader team of researchers based at the Universities of Bristol and Oxford and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This post also provides the opportunity to conduct a research visit at IARC in Lyon, France. You will be expected to manage research projects and to work both independently and collaboratively with an international research team. You are also expected to have evidence of excellent writing skills and including authorship of peer-reviewed journals. While we expect your work to be primarily focused on this project, we will support you to develop your own research ideas and will aim to support your progression as an independent researcher.

If desired and with suitable arrangements in place, it is possible to fulfil part of the role remotely.

Duties and responsibilities

• You will responsible for taking the initiative in planning and conducting all analyses for this project under the supervision of your line manager and with regular contact with other collaborators on this project.
• You will be expected to present findings to colleagues internally, along with submitting findings to conferences and to peer-reviewed journals.
• You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the supervision of postgraduate students and undergraduate research projects

Essential requirements

• Hold a PhD in Epidemiology, Data Science, Medical Statistics or a closely related
• You will also be expected to have experience of statistical analysis of big data and/or health data and to have a record of prior publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Though not expected, it is highly desirable that the candidate has prior experience using genetic and/or molecular epidemiological methods and strong coding skills.

Further Information

This is a full time and fixed term (3 years) role based at the White City Campus.

Informal enquiries regarding the post can be sent to Dr James Yarmolinsky (j.yarmolinsky@imperial.ac.uk).

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £43,003 - £46,297 per annum. 

Hybrid working may be considered for this role.  Staff working in roles that are suitable for hybrid working will normally be expected to work 60% of their time onsite. The opportunity for hybrid working will be discussed at interview.

More information is available on the following web page: Work Location Framework | Administration and support services | Imperial College London

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