[ This is a readvertisement of a CSO studentship available at the 
University of Edinburgh - previously appeared on Allstat in November 2004. ]

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 studentship will cover fees and a maintenance grant of (currently) 
£10500 per annum, with some additional funding available for conference 
and workshop attendance. This is funded through the CSO via its Health 
Services Research scheme, the main aim of which is to raise capacity in 
HSR in the UK. Accordingly, preference will be given to UK nationals or 
residents. Applicants from the European Union may be eligible for 
appointment on a fees-only basis. Applicants from outwith the EU are 
unfortunately not eligible for CSO funding.

The project will start in March 2005 (unfortunately, a later start date 
will not now be possible). 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.

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 31st January 2005.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to come to Edinburgh for an 
interview in early February, wherever possible, or to take part in a 
telephone interview if not.