Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioinformatics and Genetics

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

This new full time post is available from 12 August 2024 on a 2 year fixed term basis.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a world-leading team of researchers studying the genetic basis of diabetes and related conditions. This Academy of Medical Sciences funded post is available on a fixed-term basis for two years from 12 August 2024. It involves analysing next-generation sequencing data to discover novel causes of the rare genetic diseases monogenic diabetes and hyperinsulinism. 

The successful applicant will work with Dr Thomas Laver in a world-leading, multi-disciplinary research group (bioinformaticians, clinicians and clinical geneticists). They will have access to next-generation sequencing data on over 8,500 patients with disorders of insulin secretion. They will analyse this data to identify novel genetic causes of disease, with a particular focus on copy number variants – large deletions or duplications of DNA.  

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field. The successful applicant will be an expert in genetics or/and bioinformatics, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. They will be able to work collaboratively, supervise others and act as team leader as required. The ability to use a UNIX/linux environment is essential, along with good knowledge of Python, R or similar language and the ability to write scripts and implement published code. Experience analysing next-generation sequencing data is desirable. Knowledge of human genetics, especially rare disease genetics, 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;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• 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 beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 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. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 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 and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Thomas Laver, e-mail [email protected] .