Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Faculty of Health & Life Sciences

This new full time post is available from 1 October 2024 on a fixed term basis until 30 September 2028.

Summary of the role

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in this MRC funded Metabolic Psychiatry Hub research project. This project aims to improve our understanding of the relationship between metabolic health and severe mental illness (SMI). This role will utilise big data and genetics to understand the shared biology and causal mechanisms linking SMI and metabolic disorders. This MRC funded post is available from the 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2028. The successful applicant will use big data studies including, but not limited to the UK Biobank, All of US and China Kadoorie Biobank and genetic approaches (including genetic correlations, genomic SEM, Mendelian randomisation) to improve our understanding of the bidirectional relationships between metabolic health and SMI (including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression).

The post will include undertaking world class research and using big data and genetic approaches to provide a step change in our understanding of the relationship between diabetes and depression. You will be expected to lead the analysis, present your findings locally, nationally and internationally, write up research for publication and ensure you are using the most up to date analytical techniques.  

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 of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in genetic epidemiology (or related field) and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to perform a range of genetic analyses in big data studies. Preferably applicants will have experience of the online platforms used for analysis in UK Biobank data and/or All of Us. Applicants should have experience of Mendelian randomisation analyses.

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 Jess Tyrrell, e-mail [email protected] .