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Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Location: Exeter Contract: Fixed-term (1 August 2026 – 31 July 2028) Funding: Cancer Research UK
Role Summary
The University of Exeter invites applications for a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA), Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA, Grade E), or Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF, Grade F) to join the Genetics of Complex Traits Team in collaboration with the Integrative Cancer Epidemiology Programme (ICEF), a multi-institutional Cancer Research UK-funded initiative led by the University of Bristol.
This full-time, fixed-term role focuses on advancing quantitative genetic research to investigate how metabolic disease, reproductive ageing, and cancer are genetically linked. You will apply cutting-edge statistical and genetic epidemiology techniques to large-scale data, including:
- Mendelian randomization (linking fat distribution and hormonal status to cancer)
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
- Population-scale whole-genome sequencing
- Large-scale genomic and health cohort analyses
Research will be supervised by Dr Katherine Ruth and Dr Gareth Hawkes and aligns with broader objectives to:
- Develop novel analytical methods
- Supervise junior staff/students
- Contribute to dissemination and funding applications
- Engage in teaching and staff development
Responsibilities
-
Research Leadership & Methods Development
- Design, lead, and publish research projects using genetic epidemiology and large-scale data analytics.
- Conduct advanced statistical analyses (e.g., GWAS, MR, cohort studies) to advance cancer research.
- Collaborate with multi-institutional teams (e.g., University of Bristol partners) to integrate findings.
-
Data Management & Collaboration
- Acquire, clean, and analyse complex genomic/health datasets.
- Work with patients/public to ensure ethical and impactful research design.
-
Supervision & Mentorship
- Guide GRA students or junior researchers where applicable.
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- Knowledge Dissemination
- Present findings at conferences and publications.
- Develop funding proposals and contribute to teaching/open-access initiatives.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Graduate Research Assistant (Grade E): First degree (or equivalent) in statistics, genetics, epidemiology, computational biology, or related disciplines.
- Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow (Grade E/F):
- PDRA: Relevant PhD (or near-completion) in biostatistics, genetic epidemiology, or quantitative biology.
- PDRF: Proven internationally recognised expertise (e.g., highly cited publications) and leadership in the field.
- Demonstrable experience in:
- Genetic epidemiology (e.g., Mendelian randomization, GWAS).
- Large-scale data analysis (e.g., R, Python, PLINK).
- Statistical modelling (e.g., GLM, survival analysis).
Key Skills
- Strong analytical, computational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to communicate complex findings professionally (publications, conferences, stakeholder engagement).
- Skills in reproducible research (e.g., version control, documentation).
- Adaptability to multi-institutional collaboration.
All Candidates
- Commitment to ethical research and public/patient involvement.
- Open to workaday experimentation and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Salary
| Role | Grade | Starting Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Research Assistant | E(25) | £33,951 | Minimum starting point for entry-level candidates. |
| E(26) | £34,610 | With relevant experience. | |
| Postdoctoral Research Associate | E | £34,610 | Progression based on qualifications/experience. |
| Postdoctoral Research Fellow | F | £43,482 | For senior candidates with strong track records. |
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Additional Information
- Funding: Currently secured until 31 July 2028 via Cancer Research UK. Future funding opportunities will be reviewed during the contract.
- Team: Part of the ~30-person Genetics of Complex Traits Team at Exeter, embedded within the ICEF Programme.
- Location: University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
- Submit Applications By: [Insert screening deadline – check original posting for updates].
Why Join Exeter?
The University of Exeter (#200 globally, QS/THE 2025 Rankings) is a Russell Group institution committed to:
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (e.g., disability confident scheme)
- Outstanding Teaching (TEF Gold 2023)
- Environmental Sustainability (scientific excellence in sustainable futures).
Benefits: ✅ Creative autonomy: cultivate intellectual interests across disciplines. ✅ Support systems: aligned teaching/goals and specialised Innovation, Impact & Business teams. ✅ Fertility support: global leading parental benefits (maternity/adoption – 26 weeks full pay; paternity – 6 weeks full pay; new Fertility Treatment Policy). ✅ Work-life balance: Stunning south-west England campuses in Devon/Cornwall, with masculine environments for diverse projects.
Disability & Reasonable Adjustments: Need assistance with applications? Contact hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk for support or adjustments (including provisions under our Disability Confident Scheme).
How to Apply
- Read the full Job Description and Person Specification.
- Submit your application by the advert closing date via the University of Exeter Careers Portal.
- For inquiries, contact:
- Dr Katherine Ruth (K.S.Ruth@exeter.ac.uk).
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