Postdoctoral Research Associate

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

This full-time, MRC funded post is available on a fixed term contract from 01/05/2023 until 30/04/2026.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

This role may be subject to additional background screening.

The post 

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Dr Jess Tyrrell. The successful applicant will be part of an MRC funded project to improve clinical care and outcomes for patients with both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and major depressive disorder (MDD) by combining genetic and epidemiological approaches within large-scale datasets. The post holder will focus on identifying the causal pathways and consequences of T2D and MDD. This will involve the use of Mendelian Randomisation (MR) methods in the UK Biobank and GWAS summary statistics to improve our understanding of the relationships between T2D and MDD.

The project will involve:

1. Identification of causal pathways between T2D and MDD and associated outcomes (e.g. glucose levels; treatment resistant depression etc.) using a range of MR methods.
2. Identification of factors mediating the relationship between T2D and MDD using Genomic Structural Equation Modelling and multivariate MR methods.
3. Consideration of the downstream consequences of having both T2D and MDD. Here, interaction models will be used to test if polygenic risk scores for T2D and MDD predict adverse outcomes. MVMR will also be used to test the direct effect of T2D and MDD on the adverse outcomes, whilst accounting for mediators previously identified.

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 present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to perform statistical analyses and work with large datasets.

Applications should be made via our website. For more information and to apply online please go to www.exeter.ac.uk/jobs Please quote reference number R86744 in any correspondence.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Further information  

Please contact Jess Tyrrell, e-mail j.tyrrell@ex.ac.uk.

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