Division of Genetics & Molecular Medicine
School of Medicine

We are seeking to recruit two Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) for PhD positions in Epigenomics, at the Department of Twin Research, King’s College London.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful collaborative research team, working on a European Union Marie-Curie ITN project investigating the epigenetic basis of multiple complex traits. Our team is conducting cutting-edge research developing new experimental and computational epigenomic tools to understand mechanisms of complex disease, and includes academic and industry partners across the UK, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Australia, and the USA.

We are looking for enthusiastic team members to work on the largest twin-based epigenetic projects to date, the EpiTrain and EpiTwin projects, to study the role of DNA methylation in complex traits, using next-generation DNA methylation sequencing profiles of 5,000 twins. The successful candidates will also have the opportunity to explore their findings within an omics perspective, taking advantage of the rich omics and phenotype datasets available within the TwinsUK cohort.

Each 3-year PhD position includes home fees and an employment contract with salary of between £40,615 – £43,735 per annum, plus allowances depending on circumstances. Students will be part of the Epigenomics group within the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology. The Department is based at St. Thomas’ Hospital and has close links with Divisional and other Research Departments within King’s College, as well as Genomic Centres such as the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and BGI. Students will also have the opportunity to spend at least three months with international collaborator academic and industry research partners based in Europe, Australia, and the USA, depending on the particulars of the research project.

Applicants are expected to have a very strong academic record, including minimum upper-second class (2.1) honours degree (or overseas equivalent). Students should have an academic background in mathematics or statistics, although those from a life sciences background with strong analytical skills are also encouraged to apply. A publication record would be highly advantageous. Students should have the ability to work independently, with excellent written and oral communication skills. 

Before applying, please ensure that you are eligible for EU PhD studentship funding. Applicants must have received their first degree qualifying them for PhD training within four years of the start date. Candidates must also meet the residency and mobility requirements of the Marie-Curie programme: At the time of recruitment the researcher must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies etc) in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the preceding 3 years immediately prior to recruitment. For a full description of the eligibility conditions see : http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/mariecurieactions/itn_en.html

For further information please contact Dr Jordana Bell, jordana.bell@kcl.ac.uk or Prof Tim Spector, tim.spector@kcl.ac.uk

To apply for this post, please download the job pack from the advert on the College’s website via the ‘Apply’ button below. The job pack contains detailed instructions on how to make your application. Please ensure that you follow the instructions carefully, as incomplete or incorrect applications may not be considered. All correspondence MUST clearly state the job title and reference number SP/MGE/174/13-JT. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 27 March 2013. 

Equality of opportunity is College policy