Molecular epidemiology is an interdisciplinary field which has led to significant breakthroughs in disease control and treatment. Here we take a look at the typical career path of senior-level scientists and professors in this rapidly growing field and where to find these types of roles at jobs.ac.uk.
What is Molecular Epidemiology?
Molecular epidemiology brings together medical science and epidemiological research. It focuses on how environmental and genetic factors at the molecular level influence the causes and behaviour of infectious and noncommunicable diseases within populations.
Research in this area is important in the public health arena and has advanced knowledge of cancer risk factors and characteristics at the population level. Molecular epidemiologists also played a vital role in analysing the characteristics and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the coronavirus pandemic.
Molecular epidemiologists come from scientific and medical backgrounds (or both). They research disease patterns in populations in various settings, including higher education, the NHS and other healthcare organisations, national and international public health bodies and private sector biosciences industries.
Professor Jobs
Professors in this field are highly specialised and experienced academics. They lead internationally-recognised research activities in a university or medical school.
Duties include:
- Delivering a portfolio of molecular epidemiology research.
- Advancing innovative scientific research through publication and dissemination.
- Supporting early-career researchers.
- Delivering research-informed teaching and assessment.
- Forging new partnerships and collaborative research programmes within the scientific community.
- Engaging with national and international public bodies, the healthcare sector and industry.
- Attracting significant funding grants and compiling proposals.
- Curriculum design and implementation.
How to Become a Molecular Epidemiology Professor
‘Professor’ is the most senior academic grade in UK higher education. To be appointed to this grade you would be an expert in molecular epidemiology with the following qualifications, experience and knowledge:
Essential qualifications
- A PhD in molecular epidemiology, molecular biology, microbiology or related area.
- Senior/Principal Fellowship with Advance HE (formerly the Higher Education. Academy).
Experience and knowledge
A significant record of high-quality research publications and influence in molecular epidemiology would be essential criteria for this academic level.
Evidence of the development and delivery of research-led teaching and assessment at undergraduate and postgraduate levels would also be essential. High-level expertise in bioinformatics and working in programming languages (R, Python etc.) would also be necessary.
You would also have experience in managing research staff or teams, including staff development and the successful supervision and management of PhD students to completion. A clear strategy and ambitious plans for future research would also be essential.
What’s the pay?
Professor salaries are generally agreed upon appointment and not disclosed in job advertisements. However, sciences/medical professors can expect a starting salary in the range of £72,300 to £82,150 p.a. or higher, depending on the role.
Molecular epidemiology is a research field which has wider implications for public health so some senior academic posts may be joint-funded by external and government organisations.
What can it lead to?
Many professors choose to stay at this level while also taking on additional duties and advisory/policymaking roles both inside and outside academia. However, a professor may also decide to move into a senior management role such as Head of Department, Dean or Vice-Chancellor.
Where can I find jobs?
Molecular epidemiology is a fast-growing field and experts are highly sought after in higher education, public health organisations and the private sector globally.
Jobs.ac.uk is the leading jobs board for senior-level academic roles. Take a look at our current molecular epidemiology jobs and get the latest jobs straight to your inbox by signing up for a jobs-by-email alert.
Find Molecular Epidemiology Jobs here
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