The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary is one of the UK’s elite research centres, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). We offer a multi-disciplinary research environment and have approximately 180 PhD students working on projects in the biological and psychological sciences. Our students have access to a variety of research facilities supported by experienced staff, as well as a range of student support services. Dr Maxim Freydin's group is engaged in research of genetics and genomics of complex human diseases and traits aiming to to discover underlying pathways and reveal predictive biomarkers. Current studies are based on analysis of large public datasets, such as UK Biobank (https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/), with application of state-of-the art approaches of statistical genetics, genetic epidemiology and bioinformatics. Among the main research interests is genetics of pain syndromes and genetics of multiomorbidity.
Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.Prospective student will receive training in contemporary approaches in genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics, such as genome-wide association studies, fine-mapping, co-localization, gene prioritisation, polygenic risk scores, and Mendelian randomization. Training in bioinformatics approaches concerning the analysis of global gene expression in context of complex human diseases will also be provided, as well as programming skills in bash and R.
Multimorbidity describes a phenomenon of a non-random co-existence of several diseases in a single patient. Multimorbidity significantly complicates diagnosis and treatment, is associated with increased disability and mortality, and leads to polypharmacy. Recognition of a non-random fashion of multimorbidity through the analysis of genetic component of diseases, led to the concept of diseasome, or the human disease network. The analysis of diseasome revealed shared genes underlying multimorbidity and their disease-specific functional modules. Thus, it is understood that the phenomenon of multimorbidity, at least in part, is founded on common genetic background. One of the most intriguing discoveries in framework of multimorbidity studies, is the presence of diseases that very rarely or never co-occur, called inverse comorbidity (IC). Examples include allergic diseases and tuberculosis, neuropsychiatric/CNS disorders and cancer, multiple sclerosis and lung diseases. Unlike co-morbidity, little is known about the genetic basis of IC, and little attention is given to the phenomenon as such in scientific literature. The importance of genetic studies of IC relies on the idea that finding the mechanisms by which the presence of one disease prevents the development of another, may pave the way for discovery of novel drug targets and improved diagnostic approaches.This project will explore a hypothesis that genetic predisposition to one complex disease may be protective against another disease, thus leading to the phenomenon of IC. To test the hypothesis, genetic epidemiology (genetic correlations, co-localization, polygenic risk scores, Mendelian randomization) and bioinformatics (genome-wide differential gene expression analysis, pathway and network analyses) will be applied to large datasets (UK Biobank, in particular) and using publicly available transcriptomic datasets. This is an in silico project for a student with a strong interest in human and medical genetics and genetic epidemiology.
This studentship is open to students applying for CONACyT funding. CONACyT will provide a contribution towards your tuition fees each year and Queen Mary will waive the remaining fee. CONACyT will pay a stipend towards living costs to its scholars. Further information can be found here: https://conacyt.mx/convocatorias/convocatorias-becas-al-extranjero/
Please refer to the CONACyT website here: https://conacyt.mx/convocatorias/convocatorias-becas-al-extranjero/ for full details on eligibility and conditions on the scholarship.
Applications are invited from outstanding candidates with or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree [and a masters degree] in an area relevant to the project e.g. Human and Medical Genetics, Genomic Medicine, Molecular Medicine, Epidemiology. A masters degree is desirable, but not essential.
Desirable skills include solid knowledge of basic and medical genetics and at least basic knowledge in statistical analysis. Experience in programming in bash, R or python would be an advantage, but not absolutely necesserily.
Applicants from outside of the UK are required to provide evidence of their English language ability. Please see our English language requirements page for details: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students/englishlanguagerequirements/postgraduateresearch/
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Maxim Freydin at m.freydin@qmul.ac.uk
Applicants will need to complete an online application form to be considered, including a CV, personal statement and qualifications. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the project supervisor. Those who are successful in their application for our PhD programme will be issued with an offer letter which is conditional on securing a CONACyT scholarship (as well as any academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements).
Once applicants have obtained their offer letter from Queen Mary they should then apply to CONACyT for the scholarship as per their requirements and deadlines, with the support of the project supervisor.
Only applicants who are successful in their application to CONACyT can be issued an unconditional offer and enrol on our PhD programme.
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