Research Associate/Research Fellow

We are seeking a brilliant post-doctoral researcher to lead on a range of innovative epi-/genetics and neuroimaging projects related to an ERC/UKRI-funded 5-year project on BrainHealth.

The post is available as either a Grade 7 Research Associate or Grade 8 Research Fellow post, dependent on skills and experience.

About the role

The project, led by Dr Esther Walton, aims to map how our epigenome and brain ages; and how this links to lifelong mental health.

Whereas most studies to date have focused on the issue of ageing from the ages 40 or 50 onwards, this work will take a novel approach looking at the ageing process right across people’s life courses – from birth to death.

This project combines epi-/genetic and neuroimaging expertise and we welcome applications from applicants with expertise in either one field (or both).

We expect that applicants for Research Fellow will have significant postdoctoral experience, with a demonstrable track record of leading and publishing epi-/genetic and/or neuroimaging research independently.

Research Fellows will be capable of leading the development of research objectives, projects and analysis and training other members of the team in data analysis techniques.

About you

We welcome applications from candidates who have

A PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience or Genetics; or related discipline

Extensive experience in epi-/genetic data analysis (polygenic risk scores, EWAS) and/or neuroimaging (Freesurfer, Matlab)

Experience and interest in conducting research in (epi-)genetic or neuroimaging psychology.

Experience with R, Python or Matlab programming, advanced statistical and epi-/genetic and/or neuroimaging skills

Excellent team working, communication, and time management skills are also essential.

Additional information

As part of the University’s commitment to research staff development, the post holder will be supported to undertake professional development, including a minimum of 10 days per year pro rata.

We have one vacancy available offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed-term basis. The post is funded for 24 months.

Informal enquiries about this role should be directed to Dr Esther Walton (e.walton@bath.ac.uk).

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

What we can offer you

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

Free counselling services through Health Assured

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Staff discount at Team Bath gym

Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees

Staff discount on language courses

Generous employer contributory pension schemes

Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance

A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more

Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath

Local discounts and more

A family-friendly workplace

An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce

Relocation allowance

Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

Job Description & Person Specification

Job Description & Person Specification

Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.