Postdoctoral Fellow – Understanding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease heterogeneity using a multi-trait genetic framework employing high-resolution polygenic risk scores

AstraZeneca; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate COPD heterogeneity using a multi-trait genetic framework and high‑resolution polygenic risk scores.

You will collaborate across AstraZeneca and the University of Leicester, applying statistical genetics, machine learning, and multi‑omics to translate insights into precision medicine strategies for respiratory disease.

Qualifications

• Strong background in statistical genetics and genomics.
• Experience with GWAS summary statistics and PRS.
• Proficiency in Python and R for data analysis.
• Ability to work across multi-omics datasets and predictive modelling.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to understand COPD heterogeneity using genetic frameworks.
• Develop and apply high-resolution polygenic risk score methodologies.
• Publish findings and collaborate with AstraZeneca and academic partners.

Skills

Statistical genetics

Genomics

Machine learning

Deep learning

Data analysis

Polygenic risk scores

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Python

R

GWAS statistics

PRS development

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow – Understanding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease heterogeneity using a multi-trait genetic framework employing high-resolution polygenic risk scores

3 year fixed term contract

Cambridge Biomedical Campus, UK

Competitive salary and benefits

Do you have expertise in, and passion for statistical genetics, bioinformatics, and machine learning? Would you like to apply your knowledge to impact projects in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines? Then join the Translational Science and early Clinical Development department at AstraZeneca and unlock the power of what science can do!

In this exciting Postdoctoral Fellow position, you’ll be investigating the genetics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease heterogeneity and then translating these genetic insights into clinically informative tools.

This project is supported by the Translational Science and early Clinical Development department that works in the Respiratory therapy area with the aim of translating cutting edge science into the development of transformative therapies for patients.

By harnessing cutting-edge statistical genetics, machine learning, and multi-trait and multi-omics approaches, this project seeks to understand the mechanisms of COPD heterogeneity and develop methodologies for high-resolution polygenic risk scores for COPD. Through the characterisation of pleiotropic genetic influence across respiratory and multimorbid traits, we aim to identify the biological pathways and molecular mechanisms that drive variation in disease progression, treatment response, and patient outcomes. These insights will be leveraged to define clinically meaningful COPD subtypes, improve prediction of disease trajectories, and support the development of precision medicine strategies for respiratory disease.

Supported by Glenda Lassi, Associate Principal Scientist at AstraZeneca, and Benjamin Georgi, Principal Scientist at AstraZeneca, you'll also receive academic mentorship and guidance from Jing Chen, Lecturer in Statistical Genetics within the Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, School of Medical Sciences at the University of Leicester.

What You’ll Do

Our Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct ground-breaking research to understand the biological mechanisms underlying COPD heterogeneity. Working at the interface of statistical genetics, machine learning, bioinformatics, and respiratory medicine, you will develop innovative approaches that leverage large-scale genomic, clinical, and multi-omics datasets to improve our understanding and prediction of COPD progression. You will be part of a collaborative research environment spanning AstraZeneca and the University of Leicester, with opportunities to publish impactful research, engage with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the development of precision medicine strategies for respiratory disease.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Use advanced bioinformatics, machine learning and statistical genetics methodologies to investigate COPD.
• Lead and drive the project under the supervision of cross-functional AstraZeneca team and in collaboration with the academic expert.
• Plan, write, publish, and present high-quality scientific papers.

Essential requirements

• Strong background in statistical genetics and genomics, with experience in analysing GWAS summary statistics and developing polygenic risk scores (PRS).
• Expertise in deep learning and machine learning methodologies, including the development of predictive models.
• Proficiency in programming for data analysis and algorithm engineering, necessary for implementing models and developing user-friendly software packages.
• Experience working with large-scale human genetic datasets for model training, validation, and testing.

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility criteria for the postdoc programme will also be included alongside the essential criteria, as follows:

• Within 4-yearsof obtainingtheir doctoral degree (PhD, DVM, or MD) - PhD already awarded, or
• Students, soon to obtain doctoral degrees (the PhD must be awarded within 6 months of joining AstraZeneca).

Desirable Requirements

• Familiaritywith the genetics of respiratory diseases
• Experience in pharmacogenomics research.

You will work in an industry-leading group with a strong publication track record and be supported by a leading academic supervisor, combining the scientific excellence of the University of Leicester with the translational research environment of AstraZeneca. As a Postdoctoral fellow, you will have the freedom to lead innovative research receiving mentorship from experts in statistical genetics, respiratory disease, and data science.

You will gain accessto world‑classcomputational resources:large‑scale multi-omics and healthcare datasets and extensive opportunitiesfor scientific networking, publication and career development.

This position offers an outstanding platformfor an early‑career researcher seekingto develop an independent research profile while gaining experiencein leading apharmaceutical company and aninternational‑renownedacademic research group.

Date Posted

13-Oct-2026

Closing Date

27-Oct-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, startingwith our recruitment process. We welcomeand consider applicationsfromallqualifiedcandidates, irrespectiveofcharacteristics.Weofferreasonable adjustments/accommodationsto help all candidates to performattheirbest.If you have a need for anyadjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.