Senior Research Associate in Molecular Epidemiology

The role

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist with expertise in population epigenetics and/or analysing multi-omics data. The postholder will join a multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the Bristol Medical School (BMS), interested in placental molecular mechanisms, their determinants and implications for lifelong cardiovascular health of both mothers and offspring.

The postholder will join the team at the Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol and will work as part of a Leducq Network of Excellence. The Network (The Placenta in Maternal and Fetal Cardiovascular Health and Disease) comprises clinicians and laboratory-based scientists, with a common aim to identify novel mechanisms and therapies for maternal and fetal cardiovascular disease linked to placental dysfunction.

Part-time will be considered at a minimum of 0.6 FTE.

Hybrid working is possible with a minimum of 2 days a week at the office for a 1FTE.

What will you be doing?

You will process and analyse DNA methylation data from ~300 placentas collected as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC); investigate links between placental DNAm and placental transcriptomics, pregnancy outcomes, and lifelong cardiovascular health of both mothers and offspring. You will also follow up on experimental work conducted by other Network investigators. You will communicate results at regular meetings both internally and with external collaborators; attend and present at conferences, and lead the writing of research papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

You should apply if

You should have experience analysing DNA methylation data, other molecular data or other high-dimensional data; Python and/or R programming skills; and a track record of productivity at a level appropriate for your career stage. You should have an interest in women’s reproductive health, placental research, pregnancy, or cardiovascular health.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with funding for 24 months in the first instance (02/06/2025- 02/06/2027)

Work pattern: Full-time/ 1 FTE (part-time considered at minimum 0.6 FTE)

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week (part-time considered at minimum 0.6 FTE- 21 h)

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 12/06/2025

For informal queries please contact: Abigail Fraser; abigail.fraser@bristol.ac.uk

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We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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