Research Assistant/Associate - Population genetics

Salary:

Research Assistant: £32,296 to £33,882 per annum

Research Associate: £34,866 to £45,163 per annum

Closing Date: 11 December 2024

The Role

Are you a data scientist with a passion for population genetics? Are you looking to join a vibrant multi-disciplinary team working on well-characterised patient and large population cohorts? Are you interested in how mitochondrial DNA mutations affect people in different ways?

We are looking for a motivated statistical geneticist to join our dynamic research team, backed by significant funding from a recently awarded Wellcome Career Development Award. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team at the forefront of pioneering research from the very start of a project. You will perform large scale analyses of genetic and environmental data to understand how the nuclear genome, environmental factors and mitochondrial DNA mutations interact to drive the development of a wide-range of phenotypes linked to mitochondrial disease.

The position is a fixed term, full-time post and available for a duration of 3.5 years in the first instance, starting as soon as possible ending on the 30.06.2028.

To apply for the position, we’ll need your CV and a personal statement outlining how you are suitable for the role using evidence to highlight how you meet the essential criteria in the knowledge, skills and experience as listed in the job description.

Please focus your cover letter on the following key areas, outlining your ability and/or experience with:

• Performing large scale genetic analyses (e.g. GWAS, fine mapping, polygenic score analysis) on cohort data
• Performing quality control and data harmonisation for clinical, genetic and environmental data across cohorts
• Conducting large scale analysis of genetic, phenotypic, environmental and other relevant data within large population cohorts such as UK Biobank and 100K Genomes Project
• Collaborating regularly with the Principal Investigator, team members, and external partners to ensure high-quality research and the timely achievement of project goals

Key Accountabilities

• Perform large scale genetic analyses (e.g. GWAS, fine mapping, polygenic score analysis) on patient cohort data to define nuclear determinants of mitochondrial DNA disease phenotypes
• Perform quality control and data harmonisation for clinical, genetic and environmental data across mitochondrial disease patient cohorts
• Identify individuals who carry mtDNA mutations in large population cohorts such as UK Biobank and 100K Genomes Project and perform large scale analysis of genetic, phenotypic, environmental and other relevant data within these cohorts
• Collect and collate environmental data from patients and their families through the use of questionnaires, with support
• Lead the experimental planning and co-ordination of above
• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Begin to write proposals for individual research funding or contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination
• Present research findings at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• May be involved in the supervision of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge and experience of applying statistical genetic techniques such as GWAS, LMM etc
• Experience of working within a Unix/Linux HPC or cloud computing environment
• Competence in at least one (statistical) programming language, such as R, python etc
• High level analytical ability with attention to detail
• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge in the area of statistical genetics
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications

Desirable

• Experience of working with large available population datasets such as UK Biobank / 100K Genomes Project
• Experience of analysing data from questionnaires

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• An ability to work to deadlines, organise own workload and work independently
• Attention to detail
• A positive and supportive attitude; ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others

Qualifications

• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (Research Assistant)
• A PhD in the research area required (Research Associate)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education.

Requisition ID: 27755