MRC Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge

 

The Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit studies the genetic and
environmental determinants of obesity, type 2 diabetes and related metabolic
disorders.  The MRC Epidemiology Unit is based within the new Institutue of
Metabolic Science (IMS) building in Cambridge. 

 

Statistical and Computational Methods for Gene-Gene/Gene-Environment
Interactions and Pathway Analysis

 

Genomewide association studies (GWAS) now play a key role in uncovering the
genetic basis of common diseases or traits in humans. An important problem
is to extract information from multiple genetic variants for
gene-gene/gene-environment interactions or socio-biological pathways. This
is statistically and computationally challenging given the large amount of
data involved.

 

The MRC Epidemiology Unit at Cambridge undertakes research on the
developmental, genetic and behavioural determinants of obesity and type-2
diabetes, and on the translation of epidemiological findings into preventive
action. The Unit has carried out genetic association studies including GWAS
and coordinated EU-wide collaborations on aetiology of obesity and type-2
diabetes. Together with a range of biological, medical and anthropometric
measurements, the data will be a rich resource for conducting research on a
wide range of problems. 

 

We are now inviting applications for a 3-year MRC funded PhD studentship in
statistical and computational methods for gene-gene/gene-environment
interactions and pathway analysis. Motivated by real data problems, the
project will involve the exploration, development and implementation of
appropriate statistical models and computationally-intensive methods for the
assessment of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. This project will
build on our previous work on multi-locus analysis, causal inference, and
network analysis of gene expression data and will be closely linked to
several ongoing research studies within the MRC Epidemiology Unit. 

 

The academic requirement for entry is a first or upper second class degree
with further experience in the statistical analysis of genetic and/or
epidemiological data By working closely with other members of the
Epidemiology Unit and collaborators, the successful candidate is expected to
make substantial contributions to the GWAS projects while building his/her
future career in the field of genetic epidemiology. Graduate students
register for their PhD with the University of Cambridge, belong to one of
its Colleges, and are trained at the MRC Epidemiology Unit. Studentships
will commence in October 2008.

 

Full funding for these positions is available to UK nationals and UK
residents. Partial funding is available to applicants from the European
Economic area (EEA).  Please refer to the MRC Student eligibility criteria
at: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Utilities/Documentrecord/index.htm?d=MRC002632 for
further information.

 

Potential PhD students should send a full CV, a covering letter, and the
contact details of two referees to Graduate Studies, MRC Epidemiology Unit,
Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital - Box285, Hills Road,
Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom or email :
[log in to unmask] For enquiries about the studentships
please email [log in to unmask] 

 

Closing date: 11 February 2008

Interview date: 29 February 2008

For further information about the Unit please visit www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk
<http://www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk/>   

For further information about MRC visit www.mrc.ac.uk
<http://www.mrc.ac.uk/>  

The MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer

 

 

 


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