Postdoctoral Research Associate(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Role
The University of Reading is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an ambitious and interdisciplinary European Research Council (ERC)-funded project investigating the human gut–brain axis. This project brings together expertise from psychology, neuroscience, microbiology, and nutritional sciences to explore how gut microbiota and metabolites relate to brain function and behaviour.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher who enjoys working across disciplines and is motivated by data-driven biological research with relevance to mental health and neurodevelopment.
Research Environment
You will join a collaborative research team spanning:
- The Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics
- The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
- The School of Food and Nutritional Sciences
The role is hosted within Bhismadev Chakrabarti’s laboratory, whose broader research programme focuses on individual differences in brain and behaviour, with a particular interest in autism and mental health.
The ERC-funded project explores how variation in the gut microbiome and metabolomic profiles relates to neural and behavioural outcomes, using advanced computational and statistical approaches.
Key Responsibilities
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will:
- Analyse and interpret gut microbiota and metabolomics datasets
- Apply computational and statistical techniques to integrate data across biological modalities
- Work with tools designed for multi-omics analysis (e.g. mixOmics, MaAsLin or similar frameworks)
- Develop and run analytical pipelines using programming languages such as R and Python
- Contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed journal publications and project reports
- Collaborate closely with neuroscientists, microbiologists, and data scientists within the project team
- Participate in research meetings and contribute to the broader academic life of the University
- Experience with brain imaging or behavioural data is welcomed but not essential.
About You
You will hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as microbiology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, systems biology, or a closely related field. You will be comfortable working with complex biological datasets and motivated to develop research outputs within a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.
We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:
- Strong skills in processing microbiota and metabolomics data
- Familiarity with current analytical methods for combining datasets across multiple levels
- Proficiency in relevant programming and statistical tools
- Experience contributing to academic publications in a related field
Development and Internal Applications
Applications are welcome from both external candidates and existing University staff. In line with the University’s commitment to professional development, this role may be considered on a secondment basis for internal applicants. Internal candidates are encouraged to discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.
Visa and Right to Work Information
By reference to the relevant Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, sponsorship may be possible under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. Applicants considering this route should ensure they meet the points-based eligibility criteria before submitting an application.
Further information is available from UK Government sources:
The University is unable to provide immigration advice during the application stage and will discuss visa options only with shortlisted candidates.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Reading is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive working environment. We actively support:
- The Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality
- The Race Equality Charter
- Equality for LGBT+ staff and students
We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and welcome applications from disabled candidates. Flexible working arrangements, including job-share and part-time options, will be considered in line with operational needs.
Additional UK Government guidance includes:
Informal Enquiries
For further information about the role or the research project, please contact:
Professor Bhismadev Chakrabarti
Professor of Neuroscience and Mental Health
Email: b.chakrabarti@reading.ac.uk
