Fully funded 3½-year PhD studentship in Bioinformatics and Statistics

To start: October 2018

We are seeking outstanding applicants with backgrounds in applied and health statistics; data science; machine learning; computer science; mathematics; to work at the cutting edge of research in order to:

1. Deliver a “panor-omic” view of each patient through integration of –omics data with data derived from patient reports, electronic health records, exposures, social graphs, imaging and other emerging technologies, and to systematically exploit these data to explore precision psychiatry and the mental-physical health interface
2. Develop methodology and implement in-service designs for enhanced learning to optimise treatment selection and combination; where possible, to enable formal learning from routine practice, a key element in delivering a “self-learning” health care system
3. Deploy a programme of translational informatics Applied Intelligence software agents into routine practice to identify and communicate with patients and clinicians, and to monitor and evaluate the effects of novel therapies and changes in clinical practice, resulting in treatments and services that are cheaper, faster, more reliable or less intrusive than traditional methods

Our Bioinformatics and Statistics theme provides the computing infrastructure and expertise in statistics and bioinformatics required to integrate and use the complex multimodal data we have access to, particularly via our CRIS system, biomarkers, and data derived from our Mobile Health theme. We use advanced computer science approaches to improve patient care by developing a “self learning” healthcare system.

These awards are funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) through the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London (KCL). Our aim is to pioneer multidisciplinary translational research and experimental medicine in the areas of mental health and neuroscience.

To achieve this we select the best students and provide them with excellent training, tailored flexibly to their individual needs and interests. We will equip them with the intellectual and technical skills that are needed for the future of translational research, and complement this with key transferable skills (including public engagement, business development and entrepreneurship) to ensure that they emerge as well-rounded scientists, prepared for their next career stage. Our excellent clinical setting will ensure all students benefit from an understanding of the context of research, and produce scientists with a strong translational ethos.

Projects

A range of PhD projects are offered and full details can be viewed in the project catalogue .

Please note: The final choice of project and project details are agreed after successful interview.

Awards and eligibility

Funding is available for one 3.5 year studentship. The award covers academic fees (Home/EU); a stipend and contribution towards training, conference attendance and research costs. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from non-EU / international candidates.

Further information

Visit our NIHR Maudsley BRC PhD Studentships’ page to find out more about the projects available and how to apply.

Closing date: Wednesday 25th April 2018 (23:59 GMT)
Interviews: Week commencing 21st May 2018 (day to be confirmed)

Apply now!