Research Fellow (111575-0426)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Professor Anastasia Papavasiliou at A.Papavasiliou@warwick.ac.uk.

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary project funded by the EPSRC Healthcare Connectivity programme, entitled “Improving RNA modification detection by developing a statistical framework for hybrid methods.”

You will be part of an interdisciplinary and international team of researchers aiming to develop integrated statistical models for data arising from RNA sequencing technologies (e.g. Oxford Nanopore Technologies direct sequencing, Illumina indirect sequencing, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)), and to carry out subsequent statistical analysis and interpretation.

This work forms part of a broader effort within the scientific community to uncover the epitranscriptome, a challenge whose anticipated impact is comparable to that of the Human Genome Project.

As connectivity is key to the success of the project, the role will involve extended visits to our partner laboratory at DKFZ, Heidelberg, where you will gain hands-on experience in data collection and interpretation.

This position offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise at the interface of mathematics and cell biology, an area in which the combination of statistical innovation and biological understanding is essential yet rare.

We are seeking to recruit a Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary team of investigators with expertise spanning Applied Probability, Methodological Statistics, and Cell Biology.

The successful applicant will be based at the University of Warwick but will be expected to undertake extended visits to our partner institution at DKFZ, Heidelberg.

They will work closely with other researchers involved in the project, including Anastasia Papavasiliou and Jon Forster (Warwick), Nina Papavasiliou (DKFZ), and Terry Lyons (University of Oxford).

You should have, or be close to completing, a PhD in Statistics, Probability, or a closely related discipline. Strong computational and statistical modelling skills, excellent communication abilities, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research are essential.

Experience of interdisciplinary work, particularly within the life sciences, is desirable but not required.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

The Department of Statistics is committed to promoting equality and diversity, holding an Athena SWAN Silver award which demonstrates this commitment.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and will give due consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns, and to those who have taken a career break.

Further information about working at the University of Warwick, including information about childcare provision, career development and relocation is at https://warwick.ac.uk/services/humanresources/workinghere/

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 17 May 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: 1st October 2026

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered. You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.