Research Fellow in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics job with KINGS COLLEGE LONDON | 308234 – Times Higher Education

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to undertake computational genetics research as part of the Genes and Health Genes & Health study (genesandhealth.org).

Genes & Health is a long-term innovative programme of research, aiming to improve health among people of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage by analysing the genes and health of 100,000 people in select UK population centres, including East London, Bradford and Manchester. The study is supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust (4million), MRC (5million), and an Industry Consortium of 7 pharmaceutical companies (~25m). The Genes & Health dataset is undergoing major expansion with common variant genotyping of ~50,000 participants complete, whole exome sequencing underway and linakge to NHS data from multiple sources.

This role represents a unique opportunity to generate scientific insights from this research cohort. Including the ability to generate insights into biological processes and target discovery through the observation of the phenotypic consequences of rare autozygous missense and loss-of-function alleles that are enriched in this cohort due to high rates of parental relatedness. Genes & Health uses cutting edge, interdisciplinary scientific methods, combining deep genetic analysis with health data science on all participants, with focused volunteer recall-by-genotype studies where detailed phenotyping is carried out to derive deeper insights into health and disease (e.g. Science 2016, Nature 2021).

The applicant should be familiar with all aspects of contemporary human genetic studies, with expertise in statistical genetics, genetic epidemiology and bioinformatics. They are expected to be able to work effectively as part of a team but also to direct research independently as required. This post represents an exceptional opportunity for career development within a highly supportive environment for both early- and mid-career researchers.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract till 17/10/2025

This is a full-time post 35 hours per week

Key responsibilities

- Undertake original and state of the art human genetics research as an integral member of the Genes and Health team

- Identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio of the team

- Identify scientific and technical challenges and implement new technological approaches to solve problems

- Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues

- Manage research progress and contribute to setting objectives for the achievement of project aims

- Maintain comprehensive analysis notes and prepare reports on results for verbal and multimedia presentations at regular lab meetings, consortium meetings and national and international conferences.

- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer review journals.

- Assist, supervise and train other members of the group, including students and other research staff in their application in related lab projects.

- Build and create networks both internally and externally to the University, to inform research strategy, explore future research requirements and share research ideas.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Essential criteria

1. PhD awarded ingenetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics or related discipline

2. Strong computational skills, with expertise in scripting in BASH and either R or Python

3. Experience with analysing complex datasets on high-performance compute clusters

4. A track record of generating creative and innovative solutions to scientific problems

5. Organised and systematic approach to research

6. Demonstrated ability to perform and publish high-impact research

7. Ability work successfully as part of a team, to supervise the work of others and to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

8. Exceptional presentation skills and data visualisation skills

9. Evidence of self-directed productivity

10. Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

Desirable criteria

1. Experience of processing and analysis of human genetic and phenotype data, including EHR data

2. Experience in population genetics

3. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding and ability to develop applications to funding bodies

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Research Fellow in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics job with KINGS COLLEGE LONDON | 308234 - Times Higher Education