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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project on the human gut-brain axis and analyse microbiota data.
- Company: University of Reading, known for its interdisciplinary research and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience and microbiology while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and expertise in data analysis with R or Python.
- Other info: Diverse team focused on individual differences in brain and behaviour, with a special interest in autism.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Full Time / Fixed Term contract till 31st January 2027. The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 31st January 2026.
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in a relevant discipline (such as microbiology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or systems biology) to join our ERC funded project on the human gut-brain axis. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in data analysis related to gut microbiota and metabolite profiles, including experience with computational and statistical approaches for biological datasets. Experience or awareness of handling brain and behavioural data will be an advantage, but is not a requirement.
You will have:
- Ability to process and interpret microbiota and metabolomics data
- Familiarity with latest relevant tools in combining data across different modalities/levels (e.g. mixomics, maaslin)
- Proficiency in relevant analytical tools and programming languages (e.g., R, Python)
- Prior experience of writing and publishing papers on a relevant topic
The candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists and microbiologists at the University of Reading working on this project. The team is based across the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics at the School of Psychology and CLS, as well as at the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences. The host lab has an overarching research programme on studying individual differences in brain and behaviour with a special interest in autism.
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.
Interviews will be held on 09 February 2026. The interview will include a relevant task given during the interview.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Bioinformatics) in Reading employer: University of Reading
Contact Detail:
University of Reading Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate (Bioinformatics) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the bioinformatics field, especially those who might know about the project or team at the University of Reading. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview task! Brush up on your data analysis skills and be ready to showcase your expertise with tools like R and Python. Practising relevant tasks beforehand can help you feel more confident and make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for the gut-brain axis! During interviews, share your insights and any relevant research you've done. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the project, making you a memorable candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly, so don’t hesitate. Make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the role, and let us know why you're the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate (Bioinformatics) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in bioinformatics and data analysis. We want to see how your skills align with our project on the human gut-brain axis!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your proficiency in programming languages like R and Python. If you've got experience with tools like mixomics or maaslin, let us know! We love seeing candidates who are up-to-date with the latest analytical techniques.
Highlight Your Research Experience: If you’ve published papers or have prior research experience, make sure to mention it! We’re looking for someone who can contribute to our interdisciplinary team, so any relevant publications will definitely catch our eye.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Reading
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of microbiota and metabolomics data. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like R and Python, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just a good fit on paper but also in practice.
✨Prepare for the Task
Since the interview includes a relevant task, it’s crucial to practice similar tasks beforehand. Familiarise yourself with the types of analyses you might be asked to perform, especially those involving data integration across different modalities. This will help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role is part of an interdisciplinary team, so highlight your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've worked with others in the past, especially in research settings. This will demonstrate that you can thrive in a team environment, which is key for this position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers and make a memorable impression.
