Research Assistant / Research Associate

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge's Department of Clinical Neurosciences invites applications for an enthusiastic Research Assistant/Associate to join Prof Maura Malpetti's lab in Cambridge. The role focuses on leading statistical analysis and data management for multivariate biomarkers emerging from novel biochemical assays, with an emphasis on computational work rather than wet-lab experiments.

You will develop pipelines to link multimodal data—blood-derived data, NHS digital records, clinical

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in bioinformatics, statistics, neuroscience or related field.
• Strong knowledge of biostatistics and related research methods.
• Experience with machine learning and programming in MATLAB, R, Bash and Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead statistical analysis and data management for multivariate biomarkers identified using novel biochemical assays.
• Develop pipelines to combine multimodal data, linking blood samples to NHS digital records, clinical longitudinal data, genetics and neuroimages (MRI and PET).
• Lead computational analyses on biomarkers data, polygenic risk score calculations, and immunophenotyping data; present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Biostatistics

Machine learning

MATLAB

R

Python

Bash

Education

PhD or near completion

Tools

MATLAB

R

Bash

Python

Job description

About the role

Prof Maura Malpetti is looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant/Associate to join her lab at the Cambridge University Department of Clinical Neurosciences. The post is part of a Cambridge-based program aiming to investigate inflammation in frontotemporal dementia and accelerate the development of treatments for dementia. To this end, we established a multi-centre study, the UK-wide Open Network for Frontotemporal dementia Innovation Research (ON-FIRE), which involves data collection from >40 sites across the UK.

Responsibilities

• You will lead the statistical analysis and data management for multivariate biomarkers identified using novel biochemical assays including SIMOA, NULISA, Mass Spectrometry, multiomics and other data generating platforms. The role will involve computational analyses of blood-derived data - not wet-lab analyses on the samples - and leading academic and industry collaborations.
• The postholder will develop pipelines to combine multimodal data, linking blood samples to NHS digital records, clinical longitudinal data, genetics and neuroimages (MRI and PET).
• You will lead computational analyses on biomarkers data, polygenic risk score calculations, and immunophenotyping data. You will drive the project, develop and deliver the study's research objectives and be well equipped to present developments and key findings to relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
• For this post, you will have an undergraduate and/or a PhD in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Neurosciences or related discipline.
• You will have in-depth of knowledge of biostatistics, and related research methods and applications.
• Experience with machine learning algorithms and strong programming skills using platforms such as MATLAB, R, Bash and Python will be essential.

Location and Contract

The role will primarily be based at the Herchel Smith Building for Brain and Mind Sciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, CB2 0SZ.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Additional Requirements

• This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.

Equal Opportunity

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. We particularly encourage women and/or candidates from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level within our University.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Contact

For informal inquiries regarding the role, contact Prof Maura Malpetti ([e-mail]).