Bioinformatic Cancer Epigenetics PhD project

We are seeking a highly motivated student with very high GPA preferably with knowledge of the following areas: bioinformatics, machine learning, artificial intelligence

Broad Project Summary: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epigenetic changes are now recognised as a hallmark feature of cancer, but our understanding of factors that are responsible for tumour spread still remains limited. Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation (modifications in DNA structure that can alter gene expression without changing the actual genetic sequence) are dynamic in nature and have been implicated in every type of cancer. Understanding the role of DNA methylation changes in cancer holds tremendous potential to understand the nature of cancer and will contribute to a better outcomes for patients (for example, early detection and response prediction to therapy). Recent studies have shown that tumour-specific methylation changes enable early detection of cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. We have projects that will involve studying DNA methylation changes in different cancer types. This PhD project will include bioinformatic, statistical and machine learning/ artificial intelligence based analysis of large pan-cancer datasets (multi-omics data such as DNA methylation, RNA-Seq, mutation) from patients (lung, prostate, colorectal and pancreatic cancers). The project is also likely to include handling and analysis of clinical samples. You will be joining a diverse team, working with an interdisciplinary team (including clinicians), gaining valuable experience.

The successful candidate will have obtained an eligible bachelor’s degree [(ie, Honours, Bachelor of Technology or engineering] or Masters (MSc or Masters of technology) with high academic excellence. High grade/GPA in academics is necessary to apply.

Knowledge of the following areas would be desirable: bioinformatic tool development, programming/large data analysis, machine learning/artificial intelligence. Please apply with your CV (including contact details of three references), transcripts for academic qualifications and any other relevant information in regards to your application, in a single PDF. Applications won’t be considered without these documents. The project comes with working expenses, consumables and training opportunities required for a PhD, but does not include a student scholarship. You will be required to apply for a PhD scholarship (which we will assist to the successful candidates) and therefore excellent academic grade/GPA is necessary.

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Aniruddha Chatterjee. Expressions of interest are welcome now. 

Email: aniruddha.chatterjee@otago.ac.nz

Learn more about our lab

Promo video: https://youtu.be/spK3BFezedw

Lab website: https://www.otago.ac.nz/chatterjee-lab/index.html