Fully funded 3-year PhD studentship – Biomarkers and Genomics

To start: October 2018

We are seeking outstanding applicants to work at the cutting edge of research to exploit the potential of genomic medicine and develop biomarkers to predict progression, prognosis, and treatment response across a range of psychiatric disorders.

Candidates with backgrounds in mathematics or computer science are particularly encouraged to apply, along with highly numerate students from other fields. Training in genetics and neuroscience will be provided. Many of these PhD projects require strong analytical skills to analyse the extensive clinical and biological data sets being generated in mental health and neuroscience. Such skills are highly-sought after as medical research becomes increasingly data-driven.

The Biomarkers and Genomics theme integrates diverse data sources to develop multimodal predictive models that inform diagnosis and treatment. Ultimately, this will enable us to move genetic discoveries from research towards patient care.

Typical projects in the Biomarkers and Genomics theme include those to:

1. Determine how to use polygenic risk scores to predict clinical outcomes for psychiatric disorders
2. Evaluate how combining neuroimaging, -omics, environmental and sociodemographic information can increase the power of predictive models
3. Identify novel pharmacogenetic variants of therapeutic response and adverse effects
4. Translate genetic findings into novel therapeutics and drug repositioning opportunities using large-scale genetic data and novel pathway analysis methods

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-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!