Postdoctoral Research Associate: Parkinson’s Biomarkers

Queen Mary University of London is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate: Parkinson’s Biomarkers

The postholder will join the Centre for Preventive Neurology (CPN) to work on an exciting project funded by Parkinson’s UK, focused on identifying biomarkers for different stages of Parkinson’s disease (early detection and progression) and uncovering causal pathways.

The successful candidate will harness genetic, multi-omic and lifestyle/clinical information from large-scale diverse cohorts, and use cutting-edge statistical approaches to:

1) Identify people at high risk of developing Parkinson’s, as well as those who are likely to develop Parkinson’s at an early age and experience faster motor and cognitive progression.

2) Identify specific molecules causally associated with Parkinson’s risk and progression and investigate whether these molecules mediate the association of modifiable risk factors with Parkinson’s disease.

About You

The successful candidate will take a leading role in data analysis and is expected to present and publish study results at national and international conferences, with exciting opportunities for travel and placement abroad. For this position it is required that candidates have experience in genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics. Experience working with genetic and omics data on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease, is highly desirable. The successful candidate must have a good undergraduate degree and a PhD (or close to completion) in a related data science field such as statistical genetics, genetic epidemiology or bioinformatics

About the Centre

The Centre for Preventive Neurology is at the forefront of international research and brings together an expert team to carry out revolutionary new research into Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. The centre’s focus is on academic discipline, research, the translation of research into health strategies and their practical implementation.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a pension scheme, 30 days` leave per annum,  a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work live balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to consider applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

The post is based in Charterhouse Square. It is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term appointment for 24 months with the possibility of extension. The salary will be on grade 4/5 at £41,123 – £48,078 depending on experience.