About us
The UCL Division of Psychiatry, located within the Faculty of Brain Sciences, is a world-renowned centre of excellence in mental health research. Our mission is to improve mental health through cutting-edge research and education. By leveraging insights from basic science, we address clinical problems with the aim of improving patient outcomes and public health. Moreover, we take pride in delivering innovative teaching that is directly relevant to clinical practice and informed by our research. Join our team and help us drive forward the field of mental health research and education.
The DVC-RISK study aims to understand the genetic and environmental causal determinants of vascular dementia. DVC-RISK entails five key objectives to which the postholder would contribute:
1) Develop a ‘Brain Genetics Platform’, bringing together data from donated brain tissue samples, that have linked genotype data, from across the globe.
2) Conduct the first ever genome-wide association study (GWAS) of dementia with a vascular component, using neuropathological diagnoses from post-mortem brain tissue samples.
3) Develop genetic and phenotypic prediction models to help identify susceptible individuals in a clinical setting.
4) Discover how genetic risk for vascular dementia affects cognitive function across the life course.
5) Identify modifiable causal risk factors for vascular dementia
About the role
The postholder will be required to manage and securely store large quantitative datasets, and will conduct quality control checks on newly received genotype data from post-mortem brain tissue samples. They will be required to conduct advanced genetic epidemiological analyses such as multivariable GWAS and genomic structural equation modelling, polygenic risk score an analysis and Mendelian randomization, and write up study findings for scientific publications. The postholder will have the opportunity to present key research findings at international conferences, and help develop research objectives and contribute to preparing proposals to external funding bodies. The postholder must be able to work collaboratively, help supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.
The post is initially funded until 31st July 2026 at 100% full-time equivalent. However, please note that this post is part of a longer-term funded project and it is very likely that the post will be extended for up to a further three years.
About you
The postholder must be a highly independent, self-motivated, organised and efficient person who is able to manage time effectively to prioritise their own workload. They will be a team player, with a flexible and enthusiastic attitude to work. The postholder will be experienced in using performing quantitative analyses in genetic datasets and population-based cohorts, with experience of developing analysis pipelines in UNIX/Linux and using R or Stata.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
The full range of staff benefits can be found here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/pay-benefits/staff-benefits
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
The Division of Psychiatry prides itself for operating in an all-inclusive environment. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and there is a commitment to advancing the careers of everyone, regardless of gender or role. We aim to provide a family friendly environment where both women and men feel able to take the time they need for family. The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia and the Division is delighted to have an Athena Swan Silver Award since 2022. All staff are invited to contribute to EDI initiatives within the Division to contribute to improving working conditions and opportunities for all. Mentoring is a crucial part of supporting career progression and mentoring schemes are available for staff in the Division.