Overview
Research Associate in Health-Related Data Science – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
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.
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/08/2028.
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