At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead statistical analysis of genomic data for liver cancer research.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days' holiday, generous pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time, fixed term for 2 years with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research with cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong programming skills in R/Python required.
The predicted salary is between 39424 - 47779 £ per year.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Ansari Group at the University of Oxford to lead the statistical analysis of large-scale genomic and multi-omic data from patients with chronic liver disease. The successful candidate will work on the DeLIVER programme with prof Azim Ansari (genetic lead), Prof Eleanor Barnes (CI DeLIVER), Hamish Innes (Statistics lead), and Andy Blake (DeLIVER data lead), aiming to identify the genetic and molecular determinants of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to develop new tests for early detection and risk prediction for HCC.
You will analyse genome-wide genotype data from over 2,800 individuals alongside proteomic, metabolomic and longitudinal clinical data, using state-of-the-art statistical genetics approaches including GWAS, fine‑mapping, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, Mendelian randomisation, polygenic risk prediction and multi-omics integration. This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to one of the largest genomic studies of liver cancer risk, working within an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, statisticians, computational biologists and laboratory scientists. The project has strong national and international collaborations and offers excellent opportunities for publication, conference presentations and career development. This position is full-time and fixed term for 2 years.
About You
- A PhD (or close to completion) in Statistical Genetics, Genetic Epidemiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
- Strong programming skills with demonstrated proficiency in R and/or Python for large-scale data analysis.
- Experience analysing large-scale genomic or other high-dimensional biological datasets using appropriate statistical and computational methods.
- Experience in statistical genetics, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genotype data analysis, population structure, imputation and related methodologies.
- Experience applying statistical models to complex biological or clinical datasets, with the ability to interpret results in a biological context.
- Excellent quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and develop robust analytical workflows.
- A track record of scientific achievement, demonstrated through publications, preprints or other evidence of high-quality research.
- Evidence of working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
About the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine
The Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM) is one of the largest departments of the University of Oxford and is part of the Medical Sciences Division, with responsibility for a significant part of the teaching of clinical students within the Medical School.
Benefits of working
University employees enjoy 38 days' paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums.
Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7
Closing Date & Time: 11-Sep-2026 12:00
Salary (£): £39,424 - £47,779 p.a.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist in host genetics and data integration for liver cancer risk predication and early detection in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant research environment that fosters creativity and innovation in neuroscience. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to grow professionally through various development opportunities. Located in the historic city of Oxford, the university provides a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural richness, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Scientist in host genetics and data integration for liver cancer risk predication and early detection in Oxford
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Scientist in host genetics and data integration for liver cancer risk predication and early detection in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Oxford. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Oxford. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Oxford. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Oxford to drive research projects forward.