At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team investigating obesity and type 2 diabetes genetics.
- Company: University of Southampton, a leader in medical research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and collaborative environment.
- Other info: Supportive culture promoting inclusion and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health through groundbreaking genetic research.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience with large-scale datasets required.
The predicted salary is between 35550 - 43450 £ per year.
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton invites applications for a full-time, fixed-term Research Fellow to join Professor Hanieh Yaghootkar’s interdisciplinary precision-diabetes research programme investigating the heterogeneity of obesity and its impact on type 2 diabetes and related complications.
Based at University Hospital Southampton, you will investigate why individuals with similar levels of adiposity differ substantially in their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Working alongside genetic epidemiologists, clinicians and data scientists, you will apply statistical genetics approaches, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), Mendelian randomisation and post-GWAS analyses, to identify genetic determinants, investigate causal relationships and uncover biological pathways linking obesity to metabolic disease.
As a Research Fellow, you will
- Investigate the genetic and biological heterogeneity of obesity and its relationships with type 2 diabetes and related complications.
- Conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of obesity-related traits, adiposity phenotypes and metabolic outcomes using large-scale genetic and epidemiological datasets.
- Apply Mendelian randomisation and complementary genetic epidemiological approaches to investigate potential causal relationships between different aspects of adiposity, type 2 diabetes and its complications.
- Perform post-GWAS analyses, including fine-mapping, functional annotation, gene prioritisation and pathway enrichment, to identify genes and biological mechanisms underlying obesity-related metabolic risk.
- Investigate the genetic determinants of different obesity-related phenotypes and their associations with metabolic and cardiometabolic outcomes.
- Contribute to high-quality scientific publications, conference presentations and the dissemination of research findings.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers across genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, genomics, clinical medicine and data science.
You will have opportunities to develop your expertise in statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology, contribute to innovative analytical approaches and build your publication record within an internationally collaborative research environment.
You will have
- A Ph D in genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology or a closely related discipline.
- Experience analysing large-scale genetic, genomic or epidemiological datasets, ideally including UK Biobank.
- Strong computational skills, including proficiency in R and/or Python and experience working in Linux-based computing environments.
- Knowledge of GWAS methodology, including genetic data quality control, association testing and interpretation of results.
- Knowledge of Mendelian randomisation methods, including instrumental variable assumptions, sensitivity analyses and interpretation of findings.
- Knowledge of post-GWAS approaches, such as fine-mapping, functional annotation, gene prioritisation, colocalisation or pathway analyses.
- An understanding of genetic epidemiology and statistical methods used to investigate the genetic architecture and biological mechanisms of complex diseases.
- Evidence of high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Experience in obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiometabolic disease research or the genetic analysis of adiposity-related traits would be advantageous.
At Southampton, you will join a supportive, internationally connected research environment at the forefront of genetic epidemiology, data science and metabolic disease research.
We offer
- Access to large-scale genetic and biomedical datasets, high-performance computing infrastructure and secure analytical environments.
- Opportunities to investigate the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying obesity heterogeneity, type 2 diabetes and its complications.
- Collaboration with leading researchers across human genetics, genomics, epidemiology, clinical medicine and computational science.
- Opportunities for high-quality publications, scientific conferences, professional development and career progression.
- A competitive University benefits package, including pension provision and generous annual leave
As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity.
We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.
With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.
Research Fellow in Genetic Epidemiology in Southampton employer: University of South Hampton
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Finance Strategy Lead, you will benefit from a generous holiday package, a supportive environment, and access to on-site facilities, all while playing a crucial role in shaping the financial strategy of the institution.
Contact Details:
University of South Hampton Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Genetic Epidemiology in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of South Hampton, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Genetic Epidemiology in Southampton
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 South Hampton. 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 South Hampton. 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 South Hampton
✨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.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
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 South Hampton. 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 South Hampton to drive research projects forward.
