Research Associate in Health-Related Data Science

Fixed term contract until 31 August 2028

About us

The role is situated in the Section of Ophthalmology at King's College London, part of the School of Life Course and Population Sciences within the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, based at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London. The department focuses on cohorts including TwinsUK and UK Biobank to better understand the genetic and environmental factors influencing health and disease. Its extensive research portfolio covers genetics, epigenetics, metabolomics, microbiome and environmental impacts—such as lifestyle and diet—on complex eye conditions like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and myopia. The department also studies healthy ageing, contributing significantly to genetic epidemiology and public health. Strong collaborations within KCL and with national and international partners further amplify the department's research impact and reach.

About the role

The Research Associate in Health-related Data Science is suitable for a post-doctoral scientist with skills in biostatistics, bioinformatics and big data computational biology with initiative and drive to contribute to research into the genetic and ’omic epidemiology of chronic conditions, in particular eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and myopia.

This post will work on the genetic epidemiology of common eye conditions (and other non-ocular diseases, potentially), supporting the research activities of Prof Chris Hammond (Head of Ophthalmology Section) and Dr Pirro Hysi (Reader), within the School of Life Course & Population Health Sciences.

The group is developing multi-omic analyses including genetics, metabolomics and the microbiome to understand their relationship with chronic complex traits. The use of two sample Mendelian randomisation is allowing us to define the risk factors which cause common complex conditions, and how they interact with host genetics.

The post holder will work on data from cohorts including TwinsUK and UK Biobank and is expected to be familiar with aspects of genetic epidemiology including GWAS and multi-omic modelling. The post holder will also be opportunities to engage in other projects using deeply phenotyped cohorts, as well as with other projects involving clinical samples and non-ocular age-related diseases.

The post holder is expected to be able to direct research independently, supervise students and have a good breadth of knowledge of genetic epidemiology and epidemiology research methods and background. This post is within a highly supportive environment for both early- and mid-career researchers and the ability to work as part of a team is essential.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD in biostatistics, genetic epidemiology or computational biology, ’omics “big data” science *

• Sound knowledge of biostatistics and bioinformatics

• Experience of contributing to writing manuscripts for publication

• Experience of bioinformatics analysis methods, including strong programming skills that include knowledge of R or Python, and experience with statistical and genetic analysis packages

• Organised and systematic approach to research

• Problem solving skills – both within the project and more broadly in the institution

• Evidence of successful team-working

• Strong computational Skills Ability to work under pressure & to meet deadlines and self-directed productivity

• Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Desirable criteria

• Experience with working across ’omics

• Extensive experience in presenting research at conferences, both oral presentations and posters

• Good publication record

• Experience of applying for research funding

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good rel