Research Fellow – Genetic Epidemiologist Full-time

Research Fellow – Genetic Epidemiologist

The UCL Division of Psychiatry, located within the Faculty of Brain Sciences, is a world-renowned centre of excellence in mental health research. Our mission is to improve mental health through cutting-edge research and education. By leveraging insights from basic science, we address clinical problems with the aim of improving patient outcomes and public health. Moreover, we take pride in delivering innovative teaching that is directly relevant to clinical practice and informed by our research. Join our team and help us drive forward the field of mental health research and education.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented and ambitious quantitative researcher to join a multi-centre project funded by Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK), investigating whether adherence to UK dietary guidelines can reduce the risk of dementia. Working within a collaborative team spanning UCL, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Exeter and Cambridge, you will apply cutting-edge genetic epidemiology methods to address one of the most important public health challenges of our time. This role offers the opportunity to work with world-leading researchers, analyse large-scale datasets including UK Biobank, publish high-impact research, and contribute to evidence that could inform future dementia prevention strategies.

Duties and responsibilities:

You will undertake high-quality quantitative genetic epidemiology research to investigate the causal relationship between dietary patterns and dementia risk. Using large-scale genomic and population datasets, you will conduct analyses including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), Mendelian randomisation, and polygenic risk score analyses, while contributing to the development of novel analytical approaches. You will lead and contribute to scientific publications, present findings at national and international conferences, and work closely with collaborators across multiple institutions. The role offers excellent opportunities for career development, mentorship and progression towards research independence.

Appointment details:

• The post is graded on the UCL Non-clinical grade structure at Grade 7, the annual salary for which ranges from £45,103 to £52,586 per annum (including London Allowance).
• The appointment is available from 1st of July 2026 and is funded until 30th of June 2028 in the first instance.
• Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B, with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

About you:

You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in genetic epidemiology, statistics, data science or a related quantitative discipline, with strong experience conducting research using advanced statistical and quantitative methods. You will have experience working with large cohort datasets and developing reproducible analytical pipelines in statistical software such as R, alongside a strong track record of scientific writing and publication.

The ideal candidate will have experience applying genetic epidemiology methods such as genome-wide association studies, Mendelian randomisation and polygenic risk score analyses, together with experience working with genetic and genomic datasets. Experience using UK Biobank data, working within multidisciplinary teams and collaborating across institutions would be advantageous.

You will be highly motivated, organised and able to manage competing priorities effectively. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a diverse research environment. We are looking for someone committed to conducting research to the highest ethical and professional standards, with a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Application process:

• A full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
• Please use the personal statement section to explain how you meet each essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.
• Please ensure your CV is no longer than 2 pages.
• Please do not upload your photograph on your application/CV.

Contact details:

• If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Emma Anderson at emma.anderson@ucl.ac.uk
• If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact dop.hr@ucl.ac.uk

What we offer:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

The Division of Psychiatry prides itself for operating in an all-inclusive environment. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and there is a commitment to advancing the careers of everyone, regardless of gender or role. We aim to provide a family friendly environment where both women and men feel able to take the time they need for family. The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia and the Division is delighted to have an Athena Swan Silver Award since 2022. All staff are invited to contribute to EDI initiatives within the Division to contribute to improving working conditions and opportunities for all. Mentoring is a crucial part of supporting career progression and mentoring schemes are available for staff in the Division.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/