Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join an ambitious research programme in psychiatric functional genomics. The post-holder will drive a transformative effort to unravel how genetic factors interact with life course, hormonal and environmental contexts to influence the brain, behaviour, and psychiatric outcomes.

This post forms part of a collaborative programme led by Dr Mary-Ellen Lynall (University of Cambridge, Department of Psychiatry, line manager) and Professor Jens Hjerling-Leffler (Karolinska Institutet). The work is embedded within the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Functional Genomics (PGC-FG) workgroup, an international collaboration co-chaired by Dr Lynall and Prof Hjerling-Leffler, which brings together leading researchers to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying psychiatric genetic risk.

You will be based in the BioMind Lab (PI: Dr Mary-Ellen Lynall) at the University of Cambridge. This vibrant interdisciplinary group includes psychiatrists, immunologists, geneticists and computational scientists united by a shared goal: to redefine our understanding of psychiatric disorders and develop new biomarkers and treatment targets for precision treatment of disorders of the mind and brain. This is a 31-month fixed-term position in the first instance starting November 2026. We actively support career development and encourage applicants interested in developing fellowship applications.

The post-holder will lead bioinformatics research to understand how genetic risk for psychiatric disorders varies across cell types, tissues, developmental stages, and environmental contexts. The role involves integrating GWAS findings with functional genomic, proteomic, single-cell, epigenomic and QTL data to identify causal pathways and investigate phenotype heterogeneity using large population cohorts. You will collaborate with international partners, contribute to publications and presentations, mentor junior researchers, and support lab strategy and culture. Working within the PGC-FG network and alongside collaborators in Cambridge and Karolinska Institutet, this role offers excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, career development, and the advancement of psychiatric functional genomics.

For further details, please read the further particulars, please provide at least 3 references, a CV and covering letter indicating how you meet the criteria for this post.  

Informal enquiries are encouraged and may be directed to Dr Mary-Ellen Lynall, Principal Investigator mel41@cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Simon Gurry, HR Coordinator (hradminpsychiatry@medschl.cam.ac.uk).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 31 months in the first instance starting November 2026.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above. 

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. 

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager. 

The closing date for applications is: 21st June 2026

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed 

Please quote reference RN49877 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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