Research Associate

Vacancy terms: Full-time, part-time (minimum 0.8FTE, 30 hours per week) or job share considered, fixed term contract for 30 months

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

The Department of Population Health Sciences at the University of Leicester are seeking a Research Associate to join the Genetic Epidemiology Group on a fixed term basis to lead analysis of genomic loci involved in severe asthma (with a particular focus on the chromosome 11 mucin gene region). This will involve statistical genetic approaches, long-read sequencing data analysis and phenome-wide association studies in large biobanks and asthma-specific cohorts.

This work will be part of a Medical Research Council (MRC)-funded programme that aims to advance our understanding of the genetic, molecular and cellular basis of mucus production in the airways of patients with severe asthma in collaboration with the Universities of Nottingham, Manchester, Imperial College London and AstraZeneca. The overall programme will use a multidisciplinary approach to translate findings to new mechanistic understanding and therapeutic opportunities.

This post offers a unique opportunity to work in a fast-developing field of genomic epidemiology and to develop skills in state-of-the-art methods and technologies

About you

As the successful applicant, you will be highly motivated and self-driven, with a PhD in a relevant discipline as well as experience and expertise in computational approaches to genomic analyses and genetic epidemiology.

You will have excellent quantitative and bioinformatics skills as well as effective interpersonal skills and work successfully alongside a multi-institutional team to deliver the research aims. A track record of publishing research is also desirable.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Kath Fawcett on kaf19@leicester.ac.uk 

Applications for job share will be considered.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. 

The University of Leicester prides itself on the diversity of its student population and on being an inclusive employer. We encourage applications from candidates who represent the diversity of our student population, local communities and wider society. In particular, we welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, as this is a staff group currently underrepresented in the University

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

To apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):