Postdoctoral Research Fellow

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. 

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Jess Tyrrell, e-mail j.tyrrell@exeter.ac.uk.

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