Prof L Wain, Prof Ed Hollox
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Supervised by Dr Louise Wain and Dr Ed Hollox (Department of Genetics)
The studentship is for 3 years and will commence in September 2017. The student will be based in the Department of Health Sciences.
Respiratory disease is major public health concern and the third leading cause of death globally. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple regions of the genome associated with respiratory health and disease and amongst these, one of the strongest signals of association is in the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) region gene cluster on chromosome 6 which encodes proteins with essential roles in the immune system. However, the HLA region is complex and understanding the mechanisms underlying the genetic signals of association in this region requires sophisticated analytical approaches. Bespoke computational methods which measure variation of the HLA region, and of other clusters of functionally-related genes, at both the genetic and protein level, have been developed. This project will involve applying these methods to large general population cohorts to explore both the direct and interactive effects of variation at immune gene clusters on respiratory traits and disease. The student will develop computational research skills at the interface of genetics, statistics and computer science which will equip them for a career in the exciting and fast-moving field of genetic epidemiology. A background in bioinformatics, genetics or statistics is preferred and a keen interest and aptitude for developing further skills in all of those areas, and in the use of high performance computing to analyse very large data sets, is essential.
Closing date for applications: 31st March 2017
In order to apply please select Health Sciences Research for a September 2017 intake on the application form linked below. In the Funding section of the online application, please select Studentship and then Select CMBSP in the next dropdown option. Please indicate the name of the project supervisor(s) and the project title in the space provided within the application.
Funding Notes
Fees - full-time registration covering full UK/EU tuition fees for three years.
Stipend - an annual tax-free stipend equivalent to Research Council rates (£14,553 for 2017/18)
Research Training Support Grant - a research training support grant (including travel allowance) of £1,300pa.
Writing Up Fees - writing up fee (currently £100).