Biomedical Scientist jobs in South West Region

The Role

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow with strong quantitative skills to lead research projects using genetics to investigate the links between metabolic disease, reproductive ageing and cancer. This post is available from 1 August 2026 to 31st July 2028 and is in collaboration with a large Cancer Research UK funded research programme led by the University of Bristol.

The successful applicant will develop and apply research ideas and methods, applying cutting-edge statistical techniques to provide evidence on the causes of cancer through genetic analyses. Data analyses will include: investigating relationships between fat distribution, hormonal status and cancer using methods in genetic epidemiology such as Mendelian randomization; analysing genomic and health data from large population based cohorts; large-scale genome-wide association studies; and population-scale whole-genome sequencing analyses.

The post will be supervised by Dr Katherine Ruth and Dr Gareth Hawkes and is based at the University of Exeter in the internationally-recognised Genetics of Complex Traits Team, a dynamic, supportive team of more than 30 researchers. The applicant will be part of the Integrative Cancer Epidemiology Programme (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/integrative-epidemiology/programmes/icep/), a multi-institutional collaborative programme lead by the University of Bristol, offering opportunities to participate in meetings with world-leading researchers in population-based analyses.

The post will include all aspects of data-driven research projects – including developing ideas and methods, acquiring appropriate data, involving the public and patients, performing data analysis, collaborating with others working on the research programme, dissemination, supervising more junior staff and students, developing further funding and contributing to teaching and staff development.

About You

Applicants will have experience of statistical and or computational approaches to large scale data, genetic analyses, and/or genetic epidemiology.

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

For a Graduate Research Assistant, applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study or equivalent experience. For a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow, applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study.

The successful applicant at grade F will be an internationally recognised researcher in their field, as shown by highly cited publications, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies, but applicants at an earlier career stage are encouraged to apply.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

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How we can help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.