We are pleased to be offering a PhD studentship funded by QMUL's Centre for Genomic Health (LSI). The studentship is open to Home/EU applicants.
The Centre for Genomic Health (CGH) brings together the wealth of genomic expertise around the Queen Mary campus to tackle some of the key roadblocks in the field, such as interpreting the non-coding genome. The William Harvey Research Institute is currently the UK’s largest academic pharmacological research institute, with 350 scientists and clinicians from more than 40 nations, and has a long history of training talented scientists for careers in cardiovascular genomics and translational research. We are seeking an outstanding life sciences graduate to work on the Characterisation of allele-specific variation and long-range interactions at the VEGFA locus.
Genome-wide association studies for coronary artery disease (CAD) and related traits have identified many susceptibility loci, where the majority of associated variants are non-coding and their functional mechanisms unclear. This study will apply recently developed methods to characterise functionality of a subset of these non-coding, common CAD-associated variants. Using an assay to identify accessible chromatin (ATAC-seq) to indicate functional elements of the non-coding genome, the regulatory landscape of human endothelial cells will be examined across individuals to determine common variants that alter regulatory potential.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) is a member of the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family. It is an angiogenic and neurotrophic factor, secreted by endothelial cells, and is known to impact various physiological and disease processes from cancer to cardiovascular disease and to be pharmacologically modifiable. The VEGFA locus will be examined in detail, where nearby variants have been associated with lipid levels, body mass index and coronary artery disease. Following identification of variants that may affect functionality, long-range interactions will be explored using promoter capture Hi-C (CHi-C), a technique that enables characterisation of long-range interactions between gene promoters and distal genomic elements. It is hoped that the target gene of any variant identified by allele-specific ATAC-seq will be characterised by CHi-C. Where strong evidence is found for functional variants at the locus, CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing will be performed to confirm this, using pluripotent stem cells induced to an endothelial phenotype, followed by examination of allelic effects on gene expression and downstream effects on cell proliferation and other characteristics relevant to CAD.
Professor Panos Deloukas (primary)Dr Andrew Smith (secondary)
The successful applicant will hold, or expect, a first or an upper second class honours degree in the field of genomics or molecular biology. Skills in computational biology is a plus.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language will also require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, unless their undergraduate degree was studied in and awarded by an English speaking country. For more information on acceptable English language qualifications please click here.
You will be based in the attractive Charterhouse Square campus in the City of London with access to exceptional scientific and recreational facilities. Funding is for 3 years and includes:
A tax free annual stipend in line with the RCUK recommended rate: £16,553 p/a
Project consumables
Tuition Fees (up to the Home/EU rate only)
To apply please complete the online PhD application form providing the following documents:
Your CV
Statement of purpose
Details of 2 academic referees.
Copy of your transcript(s), including a breakdown of marks
Copy of your passport
If applicable, proof of English proficiency
Please ensure you provide all supporting documents, as we are unable to consider incomplete applications.
For informal enquiries please email Dr Andrew Smith,
Please indicate on your application form under the Funding section (page 6) that you are applying for funding under ‘WHRI/CGH’.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 10th of May 2017.