Research Associate (Colorectal Cancer Project)

We are seeking a postdoctoral Research Associate with experience in cancer epidemiology and Mendelian randomization analysis, to join our collaborative multi-disciplinary team of cancer research scientists based in Bristol, but collaborating with the project lead at Imperial College London. You will be funded by a project grant from the World Cancer to investigate the mechanisms between dietary factors and colorectal cancer risk using Mendelian randomization analyses. Once appointed you will be affiliated with the world-leading Cancer Research UK-funded Integrative Cancer Epidemiology Programme (ICEP, bris.ac.uk/ieu/programmes/icep/) and will join a team of researchers who are applying cutting-edge statistical methods to molecular and genetic data to investigate the causes of cancers, factors influencing cancer progression, new ways to predict who will develop or die from cancers and new therapeutic intervention targets.

We currently have funding for 9 months, which will provide an excellent opportunity for someone wishing to get more experience in Mendelian randomization analysis. We will support and encourage successful candidate to apply for fellowships in cancer research during this time period.

You will be encouraged to develop your own research ideas within the project, given the opportunity to contribute to teaching and postgraduate training and will be supported in their career progression. A range of training courses are available, and we actively encourage continuing professional development within the post.

The successful applicant will be based within the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) in the Bristol Medical School, at the University of Bristol. You will be part of a vibrant multidisciplinary team of health data scientists, and be encouraged to collaborate with others and share expertise and methods. The project lead (Dr Kostas Tsilidis) is based at Imperial College London and there are collaborators at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France. You will be line managed by Professor Sarah Lewis or Professor Richard Martin at the University of Bristol.

• Identify potential biological pathways between dietary factors and colorectal cancer
• Identify genetic variants within biological pathways which can be used in Mendelian randomization analyses
• Perform Mendelian randomization analyses and associated sensitivity analyses to determine which biological pathways causally link dietary factors to colorectal cancer risk
• Work with a multidisciplinary team of researchers to learn new skills and apply them to this project

Ideally, you will have a strong analytical skills and experience of running Mendelian randomization analyses, preferably in the context of cancer. However, we welcome enquiries from data scientists with other backgrounds and are happy to discuss whether the post would suit you.

Contract type: Fixed Term contract (9 months if full time, little longer if part time)

Work pattern: Full time/ 1FTE (part time considered)

Grade: I / 2a

Salary: £36,333 - £40,745 per annum (pro rata if part time)

School/Unit: Bristol Medical School

Shift pattern: 35h per week (part time considered)

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on 21/05/2023

Informal enquiries are welcome, and may be made to Prof Sarah Lewis (s.j.lewis@bristol.ac.uk).

Available documents

• School Information - BMS - October 2022.pdf
• ACAD106802 Research Associate (Colorectal Cancer Project) JD.pdf