4-Year Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme in Genomic Epidemiology and Public Health Genomics at the University of Leicester

This exciting interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Programme at the University of Leicester trains future professionals who will address research needs to better understand the health of the population and the role of genetic factors in determining health and disease.

We are holding two virtual Q&A sessions for applicants at 13:00 GMT on Monday 6th and Tuesday 21st November. If you would like to attend either of these sessions, please email genomicsphd@leicester.ac.uk

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for motivated and talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, who hold a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Our programme develops interdisciplinary skills and encourages applicants from many different backgrounds – for example, mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, natural sciences, biological sciences, genetics, law, ethics, social sciences and psychology

Applicants can apply for a 4-year PhD by applying for a pre-defined project that falls under one or more of the programme themes:

• Theme 1: Genomics for Drug Development and Pharmacogenetics
• Theme 2: Genomics for Precision Medicine in Underserved Populations
• Theme 3: Genetically Informed Causal Inference and Risk Prediction
• Theme 4: Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Genomics and Genomic Epidemiology Studies

What do we offer?

Each year, we offer up to:

• 5x fully funded 4-year PhDs at the UK rate
• 2x fully funded 4-year PhDs for at the overseas rate applicants from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The Programme provides:

• Generous funding that covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, costs for research, training and travel, and a generous transition fund
• A wide range of opportunities for skills development, both related to the project and in broader areas of training
• A tailored career coaching Programme from an early stage of the PhD, in conjunction with the University of Nottingham
• Cohort-building both within and across intakes, allowing all students to feel part of a strong and engaged peer network throughout their PhD journey
• Unique opportunities to undertake research placements with our partners in industry and Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The University

At the University of Leicester, we recognise that a sense of belonging is a key part of the research student experience. Postgraduates make up nearly 50% of our total student population - reflecting the central place held by postgraduate education within the University's mission. As a major research institution, our research students benefit from working with internationally recognised scholars and researchers who are at the frontiers of their disciplines. The University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy is a public declaration of our commitment to develop a community that is fully inclusive, recruiting and retaining staff and students from all sectors of society.

How to Apply

Applications must be made through the University’s application portal. Please see full details on how to apply. Informal enquiries can be made to genomicsphd@leicester.ac.uk.