Postdoctoral Research Scientist in host genetics and data integration for liver cancer risk predication and early detection

About the Role 

 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Ansari Group at the University of Oxford to lead the statistical analysis of large-scale genomic and multi-omic data from patients with chronic liver disease. 

The successful candidate will work on the DeLIVER programme with prof Azim Ansari (genetic lead), Prof Eleanor Barnes (CI DeLIVER), Hamish Innes (Statistics lead), and Andy Blake (DeLIVER data lead), aiming to identify the genetic and molecular determinants of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to develop new tests for early detection and risk prediction for HCC. You will analyse genome-wide genotype data from over 2,800 individuals alongside proteomic, metabolomic and longitudinal clinical data, using state-of-the-art statistical genetics approaches including GWAS, fine-mapping, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, Mendelian randomisation, polygenic risk prediction and multi-omics integration. 

This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to one of the largest genomic studies of liver cancer risk, working within an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, statisticians, computational biologists and laboratory scientists. The project has strong national and international collaborations and offers excellent opportunities for publication, conference presentations and career development. 

 

This position is full-time and fixed term for 2 years.

 

About You 

 

 To be considered for this post you should;

• A PhD (or close to completion) in Statistical Genetics, Genetic Epidemiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Strong programming skills with demonstrated proficiency in R and/or Python for large-scale data analysis.
• Experience analysing large-scale genomic or other high-dimensional biological datasets using appropriate statistical and computational methods.
• Experience in statistical genetics, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genotype data analysis, population structure, imputation and related methodologies.
• Experience applying statistical models to complex biological or clinical datasets, with the ability to interpret results in a biological context.
• Excellent quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and develop robust analytical workflows.
• A track record of scientific achievement, demonstrated through publications, preprints or other evidence of high-quality research.
• Evidence of working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

About the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine 

 

The Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM) is one of the largest departments of the University of Oxford and is part of the Medical Sciences Division, with responsibility for a significant part of the teaching of clinical students within the Medical School.

 

Benefits of working 

 

University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

 

Application Process 

 
Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement as part of your online application. The supporting statement should clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. 

 

Only applications received before 12:00 midday on 11/09/2026 will be accepted.