Leicester BHF Centre of Research Excellence Research Associate in Cardiovascular Genomics

Vacancy terms: Full-time, fixed term contract for 24 months

Hours per week:37.5

About the role

The British Heart Foundation Leicester Centre of Research Excellence is inviting applications for a Research Associate position within its pioneering Discovery Theme. This is a unique opportunity for an early-career researcher to develop their own independent research programme with protected time, funding, and mentorship from world-leading cardiovascular scientists.

The Discovery Theme spans the full discovery pipeline—from genomics and statistical genetics to imaging, biomarkers, and translational research. You’ll be supported by a collaborative team including Professors Sir Nilesh Samani, Matt Bown, Veryan Codd, Martin Tobin, Louise Wain, Dave Adlam, Toru Suzuki, and Drs Christopher Nelson and Tom Webb.

As part of this role, you will:

• Develop and lead an independent research programme aligned with the Discovery Theme
• Access state-of-the-art facilities and unique genotyped cohorts including GENVASC, EXCEED, and GeneCAST
• Contribute to the Centre’s mission to understand genetic influences on cardiovascular risk, identify therapeutic targets, and develop predictive tools
• Engage with the wider interdisciplinary research community across the University

The University of Leicester was awarded a Research Excellence Award for £3 million over five years from the British Heart Foundation. Under the leadership of Professor Andre Ng, alongside the 6 Theme Leads, a new Centre of Research Excellence will be developed. The Centre will build on our established world-leading cardiovascular research with three research themes, ‘Discovery’, ‘Interventions’ and ‘Populations’. Working across themes and with many of our Centres of research excellence for diabetes research; artificial intelligence, data analytics and modelling; environmental health and sustainability and ethnic health research demonstrating world leading research will be at the forefront of the Centre’s strategy and growth.

About you

We welcome applicants from any relevant discipline with a strong interest in cardiovascular research and a desire to contribute to our strategic goals of World Changing Research and Our Citizens. You’ll be encouraged to shape your own academic trajectory within a supportive and ambitious environment.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Natalie Matthewman on leicester_cre@leicester.ac.uk

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world. 

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. 

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advert closes midnight on: 04 November 2025

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