Graduate Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

This new full-time post is available from 1st June 2023 on a fixed-term basis for 20 months.

The post

We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with a background in human genetics, bioinformatics, or human data science to join a world-leading team of researchers to study the genetic basis of diabetes.

The successful applicants will be working with Professor Michael Weedon and Dr Kashyap Patel in the world leading department of genomic medicine to understand the impact of rare genetic variants on risk of diabetes and related disorders using extremely large-scale cohorts. The position will involve analysis of exome and genome sequence data, SNP array data and clinical data. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with a world leading team of bioinformaticians, molecular geneticists and clinicians working in monogenic diabetes and polygenic diabetes (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/diabetes/ ).

About you

The successful applicant will possess a MSc/PhD/DPhil (or near completion) in bioinformatics, human genetics, data science, mathematics, statistics, computer science or a related field. You should have a successful track record in academic research that includes the statistical analysis and interpretation of complex or large datasets, and excellent problem-solving abilities. Experience analysing exome sequence, SNP chip or clinical data will be desirable, but not essential. A good knowledge of Python, R or similar language and the ability to write and develop scripts as well as modify and implement open source or published code is desirable.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university in the top 200 of universities worldwide. Our research focuses on some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today, with 98% of our research rated as being of international quality in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 39/41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy

stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

For further information please contact Dr Michael Weedon, e-mail; [email protected] , telephone 07749674355 or Dr Kash Patel, email: [email protected] , telephone 07984165841.