Research Associate in Molecular Epidemiology @ IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

• IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
  
  
  JOB DESCRIPTION
  
  
  
  
  Job title:                           Research Associate in Molecular Epidemiology (SM159-13)
  
  
  School:                             Public Health
  
  
  Department:                    Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  
  
  Job Family/Level:            Academic and Research, Level B
  
  
  Salary Range:                  £28,200 - £40,720 per annum                                   
             
  Reporting to:                   Professor Paul Elliott
  
  
  Work closely with:          Dr Ioanna Tzoulaki, COMBI-BIO research team
             
         Contract:                          Full time, fixed-term until 30 September 2014
  
  
  Location:                          St Marys Hospital Campus, Paddington
  
  
  
  
  The post:
  
  
  The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is one of six within the School of Public Health. This exciting post will form part of a team of support and research staff with a particular focus on the COMBI-BIO (COMBInatorial BIOmarkers) project, recently awarded by the European Union FP7 Programme. COMBI-BIO is a €3million, multi-partner, international study, using the latest in metabolic phenotyping in order to capture novel biomarker information for subclinical atherosclerosis. The study is led Professor Paul Elliott, Head of Department and the Principal Investigator for COMBI-BIO.
  
  
  This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in delivering the outputs of this exciting research project. The person appointed will work with international partners of the consortium to successfully analyse the COMBI-BIO results, including multi-omics data (metabolomics, GWAS) in relation to subclinical atherosclerosis. Metabolic profiles have been generated through untargeted metabolomics analyses using both Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) platforms in a “top down” systems biology approach. The work requires the post holder to handle a complex and varied workload, with great attention to detail.
  
  
  The post will also involve the usual administrative duties associated with a busy academic and research-active environment. The post-holder may also be required to undertake other duties, as required by the Head of Department and Head of School.
  
  
  
  
  Key Responsibilities:
  
  
  The post holder will work closely with Professor Paul Elliott, Head of Department, Dr Ioanna Tzoulaki, Lecturer in Epidemiology, and other COMBI-BIO staff to undertake the following:
  
  
   
  
  PERSON SPECIFICATION
  
  
  Qualifications
  
  
  Essential
  
  PhD or equivalent in epidemiology, statistics, bioinformatics or a related quantitative subject
  
  
  
  Experience
  
  
  Essential
  
  
  Experience of using statistical methods for analyses of complex biological and/or epidemiological data
  Experience in analysing large-scale epidemiological (-omics and/or genetics) datasets
  Experience of contributing to written reports, and to papers for publication in academic journals
  

  ·         Publications in leading scientific journals

  
  
  Desirable
   Experience of using bioinformatic approaches to understand complex data systems
  Experience in working with genome-wide data, metabolomic data or other –omic data
  Experience of working on EU or international collaborative projects
  Experience in liaising and working effectively with a wide range of staff from different disciplines.
  
  
  
  
  
   Knowledge
  
  
  Essential
  • Excellent understanding of statistical analysis techniques used in molecular epidemiology
  • Understanding of systems biology approaches and how they can be applied to tackle medical questions
  • Sound understanding of epidemiological principles and concepts
  
  
  
  
  Skills/Abilities
  
  
  Essential
  
  
  • Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment
  • Strong skills in data analysis
  • Excellent writing skills and ability to co-write papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Proven inter-personal skills
  • Ability to communicate with people at all levels
  • Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • Ability to use initiative and work independently
  • Ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion
   
  
  
  
   APPLICATION GUIDANCE
  
  
   Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your
  application, how much you feel you meet each of the criteria.
  
  
  If you attach a CV it should include the following information:
  
  
  
  
  • Applicant’s full name, private address and private telephone number
  • A confidential fax number and e-mail address, where possible
  • Degrees (including University and dates)
  • Past and present posts
  • List of publications
  • Brief description of future research plans
  • Names, addresses and, email, fax numbers, of three referees.
  
  
  Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.