An opportunity has arisen for a statistician with an interest in methods development to join Dr Eran Elhaik's research group based at the University of Sheffield in collaboration with Dr Sarah Lewis and Dr Neil Davies (MRC Biostatistics Unit in Bristol), and Dr Stephen Burgess's (MRC Biostatistics Unit in Cambridge). Our goal is to "develop a statistical methods for identifying, measuring, and correcting biases in Mendelian randomization analyses to answer clinically important questions about disease aetiology and prevention". The three broad aims of the group are to develop statistical methods to reduce stratification bias in GWAS, test clinical questions using the UK Biobank, and implement methods in the area of Mendelian randomization, defined as the use of genetic variants to investigate causal risk factors for disease outcomes.

This role exists as a result of an MRC grant made to Eran Elhaik commencing in August 2018. The grant was made to establish a research group at the University of Sheffield to develop and apply methods to reduce the stratification bias in Mendelian randomization trials. The post holder will be vital to the early success of the group, and will have an important role in influencing the direction of the group's research. The post holder will be expected to play a major role in the work of the research group, through the conduct of research, introduction of new ideas, dissemination of research results, and the support and training of other lab members.

Elhaik's lab (http://www.eranelhaiklab.org/), located in Sheffield, undertakes research in population, medical, and evolutionary genomics. The research conducted by our groups is cutting edge and has been published in leading scientific journals. The papers published by our group are typically ranked at the top percentile of most-read or most-cited papers and receive wide media coverage.

By the time they take up the appointment, the successful applicant will have a PhD (or equivalent) in a strongly quantitative subject, ideally statistics. Experience of leading methodological or complex applied projects would be desirable. Experience with Mendelian randomization analyses would be ideal. An understanding of genomics and/or causal inference would be advantageous but not essential; full training will be given. No prior knowledge of genetics is required. Most important are an inquisitive mind and the desire to develop and apply statistical methodology to questions of substantive biological importance and disease relevance. The successful applicant will be supported in their career development with a range of formal courses and on-the-job training.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy, please go to https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs and search for UOS019779.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 22nd August 2018 and interviews are likely to be held on early September.

Please quote reference UOS019779 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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