Research Fellow in Statistical Genetics - King's College London

Department/Division: Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics
Job ref: R7/MGA/216/13-JT
Closing Date: 25-Apr-2013

Summary
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral Research Fellow in Statistical Genetics, to be based at King's College London and St. George’s University of London too work in the Translational Genetics theme of the NIHR BRC NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London. This is a world leading centre for genetic and genomic research of human diseases and traits, and houses state-of-the-art genomics equipment and bioinformatic infrastructure within a multidisciplinary research environment.

The successful candidate will (1) provide statistical genetics analysis of association and sequencing studies in ischaemic stroke (lead by Professor Hugh Markus, St. George’s University of London), and (2) develop and apply statistical genetics methodology for research projects within the Translational Genetics theme of the Biomedical Research Centre, supervised by Professor Cathryn Lewis.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to work in cross-disciplinary research groups applying analytical approaches to the study of human disorders, and will enable a postdoctoral researcher in statistical genetics to consolidate their research profile. The role will involve collaborations with high-profile researchers with extensive patient cohorts, detailed clinical information and genetic studies based on both genotyping and sequencing. The postholder will work closely with Professor Hugh Markus and his research group, taking primary responsibility for analysis of ongoing studies in ischaemic stroke. The Stroke Research Group has access to large datasets of GWAS from ischaemic stroke with over 20,000 cases and 70,000 controls. More widely in the Translational Genetics theme, the postholder will contribute to current research projects providing statistical input on study design and analysis, translating genetic findings to patient benefit. The ability to use standard statistical genetic approaches will be expected, including the analysis of genome-wide association studies, imputation and fine mapping. The postholder will also be involved in the analysis of exome sequencing studies for monogenic forms of stroke with Dr. Michael Simpson, with the aim of identifying novel genes causing small vessel disease stroke. These applied projects will be balanced with methodological research, where the postholder will develop novel statistical, bioinformatic or computational tools responding to an identified need in data arising from BRC studies.

Details
Applicants should have a strong academic background in statistics, bioinformatics, computing or genetics, with wide experience of statistical research in the genetic basis of complex traits. Candidates should have a good publication track-record, be highly motivated individuals with excellent communication skills, and have the ability to work independently.

For an informal discussion of the post please contact Cathryn Lewis (Cathryn.lewis@kcl.ac.uk) or Hugh Markus (hmarkus@sgul.ac.uk)

Salary
The appointment will be made, dependent on relevant qualifications and experience, within the Grade 7 scale, currently £40,845-£48,264, per annum, inclusive of £2,323 London Allowance, per annum.

Post duration
Fixed term contract until 31st March 2015.

Contact
To apply for the post, please click on the ‘Further details’ link below to open the job pack. The job pack contains detailed instructions on how to make your application. Please ensure that you follow the instructions carefully, as incomplete or incorrect applications may not be considered. All correspondence MUST clearly state the job title and reference number R7/MGA/216/13-JT.

Further details
Please see related Word document