Postdoctoral Research Associate(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs
Uk
January 6, 2026
£36636 - £42254 / year
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Role

The University of Reading is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a prestigious European Research Council (ERC)–funded project investigating the human gut–brain axis. This full-time, fixed-term role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the intersection of neuroscience, microbiology, and data science.

The post is available until 31 January 2027 and is ideally suited to an early-career researcher with strong analytical expertise and an interest in complex biological systems.

The Research Project

You will work on an internationally recognised ERC-funded programme exploring how gut microbiota and metabolites relate to brain function and behaviour. The project brings together expertise from neuroscience, microbiology, psychology, and nutritional sciences.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team spanning:

  • The Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics
  • The School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences
  • The School of Food and Nutritional Sciences

The host laboratory leads a broader research agenda focused on individual differences in brain and behaviour, with particular interest in autism and neurodiversity.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

  • Analyse and interpret gut microbiota and metabolomics datasets using advanced computational and statistical methods.
  • Integrate data across multiple biological levels and modalities.
  • Apply and adapt state-of-the-art analytical frameworks (e.g. multi-omics approaches).
  • Contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed publications and dissemination of research findings.
  • Work collaboratively with neuroscientists, microbiologists, and data scientists.
  • Support the wider research objectives of the project and contribute to an inclusive, collaborative research culture.

About You

You will bring:

  • A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline such as microbiology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, systems biology, or a related field.
  • Demonstrable experience working with microbiota and/or metabolomics data.
  • Proficiency in analytical and programming tools such as R and/or Python.
  • Familiarity with modern data-integration methods (e.g. mixOmics, MaAsLin or similar approaches).
  • Evidence of academic writing and publication in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience or awareness of analysing brain or behavioural data would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Interview Process

Interviews will be held on 9 February 2026 and will include a short task relevant to the role, provided during the interview.

Visa Information

By reference to the applicable Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, this role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Route, subject to meeting the points-based requirements.

Applicants considering this route are encouraged to review official guidance in advance:

Research and Regulatory Context

The role operates within the UK’s research and innovation framework, supported by national policy and governance structures, including:

Equality, Diversity and Flexible Working

The University of Reading is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive research environment. We actively support:

The Equality Act 2010
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

  • The Athena SWAN Charter and Race Equality Charter
  • LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion
  • The Disability Confident Employer Scheme (Level 2)

Applications for job-share, part-time, flexible working, and secondment arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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