Project title: "Using functional information in genome-wide studies of
complex disease genetics"
Supervisors: Dr Tom Price, Professor Cathryn Lewis
Length: 3 years
Start date: Flexible
The studentship is available in the Statistical Genetics Unit at King’s
College London, based in (and funded by) the MRC Social, Genetic and
Developmental Psychiatry Centre.
Most common human diseases have a genetic component, and scientists face a
double challenge in trying to (a) identify specific genetic variants that
contribute to risk and (b) find out what biological function these risk
variants may have. The idea that many of these variants influence disease
risk via their effects on transcription (gene expression) has motivated
studies that turn the usual strategy of associating gene variants with
disease status on its head by first looking for genetic predictors of gene
expression and then seeking to relate changes in gene expression to disease
risk. Another approach aims to amalgamate genetic information across genes
with similar biological functions or patterns of gene expression on the
basis that genes act together in networks rather than singly. In this
project, the student will develop statistical methods that incorporate
information on gene function into genome-wide studies to help identify the
biological basis of common diseases.
This project will be of interest to students with a background in statistics
or mathematics, who also have an interest in biomedical research. Students
with background in psychology or the biological sciences will also be
considered, provided they have strong numeracy skills. Candidates should
hold a good honours degree (first or upper second class, or equivalent for
EU applicants). Previous experience in genetics is not required as training
will be provided. Funding will cover student stipend and fees. Students must
fulfil standard UK research council residence criteria for PhD studentships.
Informal enquiries can be made to Tom Price (telephone 0207 848 0827). To
apply, please send your CV (including full contact details of two academic
referees) and a covering letter to [log in to unmask]
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