Public Health Sciences
University of Edinburgh
Ph.D. Studentship, funded by the
Chief Scientist Office, Scottish Executive
“Statistical methods for describing gene-environment interactions in
cardiovascular disease risk factors”
Applications are invited for a 3-year Ph.D. studentship within the
Section of Public Health Sciences, Division of Community Health
Sciences, University of Edinburgh, to be supervised jointly by Dr Niall
Anderson, Professor Harry Campbell and Dr Sarah Wild.
Cardiovascular disease develops as a consequence of complex interactions
between environmental and genetic factors. Statistical methods for
describing the interactions between genetic and environmental factors
are, as yet, poorly developed. The proposed research project will
develop novel statistical methods for describing gene-environment
interactions affecting continuous cardiovascular risk factors in data
collected from populations of relatively (geographically and
genetically) isolated areas. The project will then study the
implications of any such interactions for the epidemiology of
cardiovascular disease.
The project will start within the period October 2004 - January 2005, to
suit the successful applicant. A background in statistics, mathematics,
epidemiology, quantitative genetics or related areas would be
preferable, but due to the multi –disciplinary nature of the project it
is expected that the student will need to undertake training in some of
these areas to increase/develop their skills and knowledge. Training of
this type will be available via both Masters level courses within the
University of Edinburgh and external workshops and Summer Schools. A
first degree at 2:1 level, or equivalent, will be regarded as the
minimum appointable standard.
The studentship will cover fees and a maintenance grant of (currently)
£10000 per annum, with some additional funding available for conference
and workshop attendance.
Public Health Sciences was founded on 17 October 1902, as the first
academic department of Public Health in a British University. Public
Health Sciences now stands as one section within the broader Division of
Community Health Sciences along with General Practice and the Research
Unit in Health, Behaviour and Change. The work of the section is
concerned with the health of populations rather than individuals and in
particular the effects of social and environmental factors in health,
the distribution and causes of disease in the population, and the
planning and evaluation of health services. The section is involved in a
wide range of teaching activities, including input at all stages of the
undergraduate medical curriculum and an MSc programme. Public Health
Sciences is also heavily involved in the Division's Postgraduate
Doctorate programme, which at any time may include between 15-25 PhD
students.
To discuss the project informally, or to request further details, please
contact Niall Anderson:
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Public Health Sciences
University of Edinburgh
Medical School
Teviot Place
Edinburgh, EH8 9AG.
Tel: +44 (0)131 650 3212
Fax: +44 (0)131 650 6909
Web: http://www.chs.med.ed.ac.uk/phs/
Applications should include:
Copy of C.V
Covering letter stating why you are interested in this project;
Contact details of 2 academic referees (address, telephone, email);
Postgraduate application form - can be downloaded from
www.mvm.ed.ac.uk/gradschool;
English language score (if applicable).
Deadline for applications is 30th July 2004.
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