Website Imperial College London
About the role
We are looking for a motivated Research Associate to lead the genomic and proteomic analyses for STRAT-GLP1, a research programme funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). This post will deliver the core analytical aims of the project, using human genetics, multi-cohort genome-wide association studies (GWAS), plasma proteomics, and drug-target Mendelian randomisation to define metabolically stratified Parkinson’s disease (PD) subtypes and identify which patients are most likely to respond to GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).
What you would be doing
You will be working closely with Dr Cynthia Sandor and collaborators at Cardiff University (Prof Caleb Webber, Dr Samuel Neaves, and Dr Viola Volpato). The project aims to understand how metabolic factors — including insulin resistance, glycaemic dysregulation, adiposity, lipid metabolism, and renin–angiotensin system activity — influence PD risk, genetic architecture, and disease progression. Using large international datasets including UK Biobank, All of Us, Our Future Health, PPMI, and OPDC/Tracking, you will perform stratified GWAS and drug-target Mendelian randomisation to identify genetically defined PD subtypes, and translate these findings into clinically actionable blood-based proteomic biomarkers using Olink (PPMI and UK Biobank) and SomaScan (OPDC/Tracking) platforms.
You will be the primary analyst on the project, with access to established data pipelines and secure compute environments from day one (UK Biobank Application 69610; PPMI; All of Us; Our Future Health; OPDC/Tracking). Advanced statistical approaches will be used to integrate genetic and proteomic data to identify patterns of disease progression and potential therapeutic targets, including GLP1R-related pathways.
What we are looking for
You will hold a PhD in statistical genetics, computational biology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, or a closely related quantitative discipline. You should have demonstrable experience in GWAS, Mendelian randomisation, and large-scale biobank data analysis. Familiarity with proteomic datsets and Bayesian modelling is desirable but not essential.
What we can offer you
This post will be based in the Department of Brain Sciences and part of the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London, working closely with a multidisciplinary research team. Postdocs enjoy excellent career development opportunities with:
- Access to a range of cutting-edge technologies
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Strong national links through the UK DRI with attendance at its annual scientific meeting ‘Connectome’.
- Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
This is a full-time fixed-term post based at our White City Campus.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact Dr Cynthia Sandor (c.sandor@imperial.ac.uk)
Available documents
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