Postdoctoral Research Associate in Statistical Genomics

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the
Germline Genomics laboratory led by Dr Anjali Hinch at the Sir William Dunn
School of Pathology, University of Oxford. The laboratory uses a combination
of statistical, computational, and experimental approaches to understand how
processes in our cells lead to changes in their DNA. These changes include
errors (mutations) or shuffling up of chromosomes (recombination) in human
eggs and sperm, which lead to genetic alterations that may be inherited by
future generations.





We investigate the mechanisms underlying these changes and their impacts on
our health and the evolution of species. Furthermore, we leverage them to
understand how mutations arise in cancers. For example, in our work published
recently in _Science_ , we show that many mutations, a much higher number than
previously thought, are the result of deliberate self-induced damage in our
cells. This leads to mutations in 1 in 4 sperm and 1 in 12 eggs and increases
the risk of many diseases, including developmental disorders and cancer.





In this role, you will work on the development of statistical models and
machine learning algorithms and their application to large-scale datasets of
human genetic variation, chromatin and epigenetic maps, protein binding data,
and disease traits. You will lead your research and have opportunities for
international collaborations and for presenting your work at international
conferences and workshops.





The successful candidate should hold, or be close to completion of, a
PhD/DPhil in a quantitative discipline, for example statistics, applied
mathematics, physics, or computer science. You should have experience in
developing and applying statistical methods and in programming. Experience in
analysing high-dimensional datasets is highly desirable. You should have a
strong interest in biological problems, genetics and/or genomics, but previous
experience is not required.





For further information about the position or the project, please see our
website https://germlinegenomics.web.ox.ac.uk/. Informal enquiries can be sent
to Dr Anjali Hinch at anjali.hinch@path.ox.ac.uk.





The post is available as a fixed-term contract for 2 years, with possibility
of extension. If you are interested in this position, and have the skills and
experience we are looking for, please apply below. You will be required to
upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.





The closing date for applications is midday on 31 July 2024. Interviews will
be held as soon as possible thereafter.