The MRC Biostatistics Unit (BSU) is a leading centre of innovative biostatistics research. An opportunity has arisen for a talented statistician to work with Dr. Jennifer Asimit on the development of statistical methods to improve the understanding of cardiometabolic diseases, in both European and African populations. These diseases cause one third of deaths worldwide, and are expected to have a higher impact than infectious diseases in developing countries. Many genetic associations have been identified with cardiometabolic diseases, but the underlying mechanisms of how these variants have a role in disease are not yet known. Analyses of intermediate traits (e.g. blood pressure, lipids) for these diseases in healthy subjects will contribute to an improved biological understanding of these associations. Unique datasets will motivate the development and application of statistical methods for the joint analyses of multiple traits and diverse population studies. Methods include those for the detection of genetic associations among multiple traits and then for the identification of potential causal variants among traits (multi-trait fine-mapping) and ancestries (trans-ethnic fine-mapping).

Novel methodology will be applied to large-scale European and African datasets, such as metabolomics panels, and biochemical and blood traits. This will involve collaborations with Dr. Manj Sandhu on biochemical and blood traits that have been measured in around 6,400 individuals from South-West Uganda, as well as a new 100k pan-African data resource, and Dr. Adam Butterworth on the INTERVAL study, which is a unique bioresource of 50,000 heathy blood donors of primarily European ancestry and includes measurements from metabolomics platforms. There will also be various collaborations on methodological aspects within the BSU and externally.

Depending on the interests and skills of the post-holder, the role could focus on any combination of methods development and complex applied analyses. The successful applicant will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in a strongly quantitative subject. The applicant should also have good computational skills (e.g. knowledge of R or python), good communication skills and the ability to write scientific papers. Experience of leading methodological or complex applied projects would be desirable. An understanding of genomics would be advantageous, but not required

The successful applicant will be supported in their career development with a range of formal courses and on-the-job training. There will also be opportunities to present outcomes at international conferences. This position is available for 40 months in the first instance with the possibility of a 6 month extension.

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Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 40 months in the first instance.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

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The closing date for applications is Sunday 14th April 2019 with interviews taking place on 29th April 2019.

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