Research Associate/Senior Research Associate – University of Cambridge

Grade 7 – Research Associate: £28,132 – £36,661 OR Grade 9 – Senior Research Associate*: £37,756 – £47,787

We are currently seeking applicants for a Statistician position at the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit (CEU), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge. The post will suit an ambitious and talented statistician, who is interested in applying their skills in the genetics/genomics field.
The successful post holder will be involved in statistical analyses of cardiovascular outcomes and risk factors using genetic data derived from high throughput assays. The aims of this work are to identify causal variants and pathways for cardiovascular diseases, and ultimately to translate these findings into clinical practice. The selected post holder will work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, bioinformaticians and statisticians at the CEU.


The primary role will be to lead fine-mapping projects, and develop and apply statistical methods for the fine-mapping of gene regions of interest using the Unit’s vast portfolio of genetic data. Currently this data comprises ~100,000 participants with extensive information on many cardiovascular risk factors and genetic data (currently ~1 million common and rare variants) measured using various microarrays. Imminent sequencing-based experiments will vastly increase the wealth of genetic data available.
In addition, the post holder will be encouraged to design and implement analyses of genetic datasets from large consortia in relation to cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Specific examples of these projects may include (but are not limited to):

-Analyses of common, low-frequency and rare variants in population-based studies of discrete and quantitative traits to discover novel genetic associations;

-Statistical methods for detection and analysis of structural variants, e.g. Copy Number Variants

-Pathway analysis methods integrating data from both rare and common variants;

-Methods for imputation of missing data, including common and rare variants;

-Mendelian Randomisation approaches to assess causality;

The post holder will also be expected to evaluate and develop the statistical methods necessary to test hypotheses of interest, such as those listed above and advise on appropriate statistical practices. The work of the post holder is expected to lead to first author high-impact publications.

It is essential that the post holder should possess a PhD or a Post Graduate Degree in one of the following subjects – Statistics, Biostatistics, Statistical Genetics, Medical Statistics, Mathematics or similar. A sound understanding of statistical concepts, ideally in relation to genetics is needed. Applicants must have strong quantitative (in silico) analysis skills using statistical programming packages such as STATA or R. Experience of statistical method development is required, as well as high level report writing and presentational skills. For a full person specification please click on the further particulars here: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/3294.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Joanna Howson by email (jmmh2@medschl.cam.ac.uk) or telephone + 44 (0) 1223 748661.
Location of post: Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RN

The funds for these posts are available until 31 December 2016 in the first instance.
Senior Research Associate (G9)*, Research Associate (G7) or depending on qualifications and experience. *NB: The status of Senior Research Associate is awarded on the basis of individual merit and may be awarded to the successful candidate if approved by the Faculty Board of the Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful post holder will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/3294

Please quote reference RH02818 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy

Closing date: 13th July 2014
Interview date: w/c 21st July or 28th July 2014
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