GW4 BioMed MRC DTP PhD studentship: Integrating neuroimaging network analysis and genomics to refine risk prediction in Alzheimer’s disease

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the ‘GW4 BioMed MRC Doctoral Training Partnership’ which is offering up to 17 studentships for entry in October 2021.

+++ Note: Full funding may not be available for all applicants. Please see the Funding Notes below for more information +++

The DTP brings together the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter to develop the next generation of biomedical researchers. Students will have access to the combined research strengths, training expertise and resources of the four research-intensive universities. More information may be found here: https://www.gw4biomed.ac.uk/.

SUPERVISORY TEAM:

Dr Thomas Lancaster (lead), University of Bath, Department of Psychology
Dr Byron Creese, University of Exeter, School of Medicine
Prof Valentina Escott-Price, Cardiff University, Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine
Dr Elizabeth Coulthard, University of Bristol, Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine

THE PROJECT:

Alzheimer’s disease has a significant heritable component, yet we know little about how this genetic risk affects the living human brain. The project will incorporate bioinformatic approaches using neuroimaging, genomic and clinical health record data to understand why we see increased brain cell death in individuals with heightened genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The student will integrate this data to generate models that refine our understanding of the spatial, temporal and cellular brain alterations that occur prior to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. The student will liaise with mathematicians, epidemiologists and neurologists to enhance ongoing risk prediction and biomarker strategies, aiming to optimise early detection and treatment in individuals with an increased genetic risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an area appropriate to the skills requirements of the project.

IMPORTANT: In order to apply for this project, you should apply using the DTP’s online application form: https://cardiff.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/gw4-biomed-mrc-doctoral-training-partnership-student-appl-2

You do NOT need to apply to the University of Bath at this stage – only those applicants who are successful in obtaining an offer of funding form the DTP will be required to submit an application to study at Bath.

More information on the application process may be found here:
https://www.gw4biomed.ac.uk/doctoral-students/

APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 17:00 ON 23 NOVEMBER 2020.