Research Associate

About the role

The British Heart Foundation Leicester Centre of Research Excellence (BHF CRE) is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to develop their own independent research programme in cardiovascular genomics and clinical epidemiology, working within the Discovery Theme’s flagship GENVASC study—a prospective cohort of over 44,000 individuals with a decade of linked follow-up data and newly generated genome‑wide genotyping. You will have protected research time, funding, and strong mentorship from leading investigators including Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, and will contribute to cutting-edge analyses aimed at understanding genetic influences on cardiovascular risk, identifying therapeutic targets, and developing prediction tools. Based at the BHF Cardiovascular Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital, you will join an interdisciplinary community spanning genomics, clinical imaging, biomarkers, multi‑omics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and translational science, while also contributing to the wider academic life of the University and engaging in activities aligned with its strategy and values.

About you

You will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline with evidence of peer‑reviewed research contributions, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and expertise in cardiovascular genomics, epidemiology, or related analytical approaches. You will be an excellent communicator with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, contribute to an inclusive research culture, and engage with internal and external partners. You will demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development, the capacity to develop new techniques and research ideas, and the ambition to build towards research independence through fellowship and grant applications.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Natalie Matthewman Email address: Leicester_cre@leicester.ac.uk. 

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.