Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable educational institution in Reading is seeking a highly motivated researcher for a project on the human gut-brain axis. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in microbiology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or a related field, along with strong expertise in data analysis of gut microbiota. Key responsibilities include processing microbiota data, using analytical tools like R and Python, and being part of an interdisciplinary team. Applications from internal and external candidates are welcome, including flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• PhD required in microbiology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or systems biology.
• Ability to process and interpret microbiota and metabolomics data.
• Experience writing and publishing papers on relevant topics.

Responsibilities

• Join an interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists and microbiologists.
• Process microbiota and metabolomics data.
• Utilize relevant analytical tools and programming languages.

Skills

Data analysis

Microbiota expertise

Statistical approaches

Proficiency in R

Proficiency in Python

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

Mixomics

Maaslin

Job description

Full Time / Fixed Term contract till 31st January 2027. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 31st January 2026.

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in a relevant discipline (such as microbiology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or systems biology) to join our ERC funded project on the human gut-brain axis (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/865568). The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in data analysis related to gut microbiota and metabolite profiles, including experience with computational and statistical approaches for biological datasets. Experience or awareness of handling brain and behavioural data will be an advantage, but is not a requirement.

Key responsibilities and requirements

• Ability to process and interpret microbiota and metabolomics data
• Familiarity with latest relevant tools in combining data across different modalities/levels (e.g. mixomics, maaslin)
• Proficiency in relevant analytical tools and programming languages (e.g., R, Python)
• Prior experience of writing and publishing papers on a relevant topic

The candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists and microbiologists at the University of Reading working on this project (https://gutbrain.bhismalab.org/meet-the-team). The team is based across the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics at the School of Psychology and CLS, as well as at the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences. The host lab (www.bhismalab.org) has an overarching research programme on studying individual differences in brain and behaviour with a special interest in autism.

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Please see the job description and personal specification for further details.

Interviews will be held on 09 February 2026. The interview will include a relevant task given during the interview.

For more information, please contact:

Contact Name : Bhismadev Chakrabarti

Contact Job Title: Professor of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Contact Email address : [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).

Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.