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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: [log in to unmask] 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.