Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant/Associate to join the lab of Prof Maura Malpetti within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. The role focuses on statistics and data management for multimodal biomarkers in frontotemporal dementia research, involving collaborations across academic and industry partners.

The post is fixed-term for 1 year and will be based at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Qualifications

• A PhD (or near completion) in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Neurosciences or related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of biostatistics and related research methods.
• Experience with machine learning algorithms and programming in MATLAB, R, Bash and Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead statistical analysis and data management for multivariate biomarkers.
• Develop pipelines to combine multimodal data linking blood samples to NHS digital records, clinical data, genetics and neuroimages.
• Lead computational analyses on biomarkers data, polygenic risk scores and immunophenotyping data.
• Drive the project, deliver study objectives and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Machine learning

Programming: MATLAB

Programming: R

Programming: Python

Data analysis

Education

PhD or near completion in Bioinformatics/Statistics/Neurosciences

Tools

MATLAB

R

Python

Bash

Job description

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.As a Research Assistant/Associate, 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.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.For informal inquiries regarding the role, contact Prof Maura Malpetti ([e-mail]).The role will primarily be based at the Herchel Smith Building for Brain and Mind Sciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, CB2 0SZ. 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.Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.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.Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. 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 managerPlease ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. 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.Closing Date: 8th November 2026Interview Date: to be confirmedPlease quote reference RR51453 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.Apply online