Seeking Postdoc in Statistical Genetics and Infectious Disease

I am seeking a senior postdoc in Statistical Genetics and Infectious Disease to join my research group at the Big Data Institute, University of Oxford. Our research into Infectious Disease Genomics is focused on developing and applying big data methods to identify genetic risk factors for disease, both microbial virulence factors and human susceptibility genes. We are focused on a range of bacterial and viral diseases including staphylococcal sepsis and COVID-19.

The Big Data Institute, part of Oxford Population Health, provides an excellent environment for multi-disciplinary research and teaching. Situated on the modern Old Road Campus in the heart of the medical sciences neighbourhood of Headington, we benefit from outstanding facilities and opportunities to collaborate with world-leading scientists and clinicians to help expand knowledge and improve global health.

As a Senior Postdoc the post-holder will work closely with me to jointly lead the implementation, design and application of new statistical tools for genome-wide association studies, and to lead the biological interpretation of key findings. They will develop novel methodologies for analysis and data collection, take the lead in the production of scientific reports and publications and supervise junior group members.

To be considered applicants will have a PhD and post-doctoral experience in a relevant subject, with direct experience in statistical genetics, demonstrable expertise and knowledge of the statistical genetics literature or a closely related, relevant discipline and a publication record as first author, in statistical genetics.

The position is full time (part time considered) and fixed-term for 3 years.

The closing date for application is 12.00 noon GMT on 18th March.

Click here for more information including how to apply.

Two new positions: Senior Statistical Geneticist and Bioinformatician

Two new positions are available in my Infectious Disease Genomics group at the Big Data Institute, University of Oxford.

A Senior Postdoctoral Statistical Geneticist to jointly lead the implementation, design and application of new statistical tools for genome-wide association studies, lead the biological interpretation of key findings, develop methodologies and supervise junior group members. This post would suit a candidate with a PhD and relevant post-doctoral experience including direct experience in statistical genetics. Candidates without post-doctoral experience may be considered for a less senior appointment.

A Bioinformatician to provide expertise for computationally intensive analyses including genome-wide association studies and RNAseq studies of differential gene expression, as well as contributing to informatics projects as part of a wider collaboration with national biomedical cohorts. This post would suit a candidate with either a post-graduate degree related to Bioinformatics, Statistics, and Computing or equivalent experience in industry.

The application deadline for both posts is Noon GMT on Friday 7th January 2022.

New positions: Data Scientist in Public Health Epidemiology and Postdoc in Statistical Methods

I am looking to fill two positions at the Big Data InstituteNuffield Department of Population HealthUniversity of Oxford: a Data Scientist in Public Health Epidemiology and a Postdoctoral Researcher in Statistical Methods.

The Big Data Institute (BDI) is an interdisciplinary research centre that develops, evaluates and deploys efficient methods for acquiring and analysing biomedical data at scale and for exploiting the opportunities arising from such studies. The Nuffield Department of Population Health (NDPH), a key partner in the BDI, contains world-renowned population health research groups and is an excellent environment for multi-disciplinary teaching and research.  

The role of the Data Scientist in Public Health Epidemiology is to help pilot a project developing systems for continuous record linkage between a large Public Health England (PHE) data source and other population health records, with the aim of facilitating research into infectious diseases.

The post holder will manage and develop record linkage algorithms comparing records with relational databases containing health records via appropriate anonymization protocols, and manage and develop systems for identifying incoming records of interest, for near-real time updating of SQL databases, and for issuing email and SMS alerts in response to these events. The responsibilities will also include contributing to large-scale statistical studies using public health records to investigate disease epidemiology, and analysing and interpreting results, reviewing and refining working hypotheses, writing reports and presenting findings to colleagues.

To be considered, applicants will hold a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or another relevant subject with a strong quantitative component, or have equivalent experience. They will also need an understanding of relational database construction and SQL queries, experience coding in at least one common programming language (e.g. C#, Java, Python) and good interpersonal skills with the ability to work closely with others as part of a team, while taking personal responsibility for assigned tasks.

The role of the Postdoctoral Researcher in Statistical Methods is to develop statistical methods based on the harmonic mean p-value (HMP) approach. The HMP bridges classical and Bayesian approaches to model-averaged hypothesis testing, with applications to very large-scale data analysis problems in biomedical science.

The post holder will join a team with expertise in statistical inference, population genetics, genomics, evolution, epidemiology and infectious disease. The responsibilities will include developing statistical methods based on the HMP, undertaking research under the direction of the principal investigator, helping with supervision within the project as required, driving forward manuscripts for publication in collaboration with group members and disseminating results through other means such as academic conferences.

To be considered, applicants will hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil involving statistical methods development and a track record of publication-quality methods development in statistical theory or methods development. The ability to work independently in pursuing the goals of an agreed research plan and excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with others as a team are also essential.

The closing date for both positions is noon on the 5th May 2021. Only applications received through the online system will be considered:

Postdoc position available in Statistical Genomics

I am seeking someone with a track record in methods development for Statistical Genomics and an interest in Infectious Disease to join the group. The aim of the post is to conduct innovative research within the group's range of interests and to make use of the opportunities afforded by our outstanding collaborators. I would welcome candidates who wish to use the opportunity as a stepping stone to independent funding.

The postdoc will join a team with expertise in microbiology, genomics, evolution, population genetics and statistical inference. Responsibilities will include planning a research project and milestones with help and guidance from the group, preparing manuscripts for publication, keeping records of results and methods and tracking milestones, and disseminating results, including through academic conferences.

We will consider applicants who hold, or are close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil involving statistical methods development, and who have experience of large-scale statistical data analysis, evidence of originating and executing independent academic research ideas, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with others in a team.

The position is advertised to 31 December 2021. The application deadline is noon on Thursday 1st October 2020. Visit the University recruitment page to apply.

Postdoc positions in Data Science and Molecular Microbiology

These positions are now closed
As part of the move to the Big Data Institute, two new postdoctoral positions funded by the Robertson Foundation are available in Data Science and Molecular Microbiology.

The BDI is a new interdisciplinary research centre aiming to develop, evaluate and deploy efficient methods for acquiring and analysing biomedical data at scale and for exploiting the opportunities arising from such studies. The BDI is a joint venture between the renowned Nuffield Department of Population Health (NDPH) and NDM.

The Data Scientist role, split between the BDI and London, will be part of a team developing systems for continuous record linkage between Public Health England and other population health records. The aims are to design record linkage algorithms, manage front ends for viewing the data source, and analyse and interpret results. We're looking for a graduate or equivalent experience in computer science, data science, statistics, or any other relevant subject with a strong quantitative component. Knowledge of databases like SQL and computer programming are needed.

The Molecular Microbiology role, based mainly at the John Radcliffe Hospital Microbiology Department, will be part of a team researching Staphylococcus aureus infection using RNA sequencing, genome wide association studies, and biochemical and immunological assays of bacterial behaviour. The aims include designing microbiological protocols, researching bacterial molecular genetics and data analysis. We're looking for a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant subject such as microbiology, immunology, genetics or biochemistry. Experience designing protocols and basic microbiological and immunological skills are required.

The deadline for the posts is Noon on 6 June 2018. Both are one year positions. For more details or to apply click here for the Data Scientist role and here for the Molecular Microbiologist role.

Postdoctoral Position in Statistical Genomics

The position of Postdoctoral Scientist is available in my group to lead research on the Wellcome Trust and Royal Society funded project Statistical Methods for Whole Genome Phenotype Mapping in Bacterial Populations.

Bacteria cause disease throughout the world. Different strains vary in disease severity, but the genetic variants responsible remain largely undiscovered. Recent breakthroughs in whole genome sequencing provide new opportunities for discovery, but the lack of statistical analysis tools tailored to the special structure of bacterial populations presents a roadblock. The goal of the project is to develop an analysis framework for mapping genes underlying naturally variable traits in bacterial populations. Focusing on the hospital-associated pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile, we will investigate the role of bacterial variants on disease severity.

The role of the Postdoctoral Scientist is to develop novel statistical methods for analysing genotype-phenotype associations in bacteria at the whole genome level. The successful candidate will write software implementing the statistical methods and apply them to design and carry out investigations into the genetic basis of virulence in natural populations of bacterial pathogens. The ideal candidate would be a recently graduating PhD student with experience of statistical genetics and computer programming, with evidence of publicly released software. Experience of population genetics or microbiology would be advantageous but is not essential.

The post is available immediately, and is available for up to 3 years in the first instance. For more details on this position, including salary, job description, selection criteria and how to apply, please see the University of Oxford recruitment page.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. The closing date is 12.00 noon on Monday 4 November 2013. Applicants will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement as part of the online application. For informal enquiries, please email me. More information about the group's research is available here.

Postdoctoral Positions in Pathogen Genomics

These positions are now closed. There are currently seven posts advertised to join the Pathogen Genomics group at the Nuffield Department of Medicine in Oxford. Prof Derrick Crook and colleagues are seeking exceptional, creative, quantitatively minded scientists to join a multidisciplinary team of researchers using population genomics to understand the evolution and transmission of human pathogens. We are seeking to appoint a number of promising young researchers to extend our existing strengths in the areas of phylogenomics, statistical genetics and bioinformatics.

The group is studying a range of bacterial and viral pathogens including tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, HIV, norovirus and hepatitis C virus. Our research interests include within-host evolution, the genetic basis of virulence, transmission dynamics and outbreak investigation via real-time genomics.

A major translational goal of the project is to exploit the transformative effect of population genomics on bacteriology to improve routine clinical practice in public health and microbiology laboratories.

The research is supported by the UKCRC Modernising Medical Microbiology Consortium, the Health Innovation Challenge Fund, the NHS National Institute for Health Research, the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Institut Merieux and the Oxford Martin School, and pursued in collaboration with clinical colleagues in Leeds, Birmingham and Brighton, the Health Protection Agency and the WTSI.
The deadline for applications varies by position, between 26-28 November 2012.
For examples of recent papers see:
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099%2812%2970277-3/fulltext
http://www.pnas.org/content/109/12/4550.full
http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/2/3/e001124.full.pdf+html
http://www.nature.com/nrg/journal/v13/n9/pdf/nrg3226.pdf
http://www.plospathogens.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.ppat.1002874

For more information visit:
http://www.modmedmicro.ac.uk
http://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/projects/view/127

James Martin Fellowship

This position is now closed. A prestigious James Martin Fellowship funded by the Oxford Martin School is available in my research group for a highly motivated and creative population geneticist interested in developing cutting edge methods for the analysis of high-throughput whole genome sequencing data to better understand the evolution and epidemiology of the major pathogens HIV and Hepatitis C Virus.

The position, which is part of the Curing Chronic Viral Infections project, is fully funded for three years and is affiliated with the Institute for Emerging Infections, the Modernising Medical Microbiology consortium, the Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and the Nuffield Department of Medicine. The ideal candidate will have a track record in statistical or computational genetics and experience of programming in a language such as C++ or Java.

Full details can be found on the University of Oxford Recruitment website. Please send informal enquiries, with a CV, to me by email. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 27th November 2012.