Download Statistical genetic association analysis of gestational diabetes in a

PhD Studentship in the Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical
Sciences
Faculty of Medicine and Health
University of Leeds
Statistical genetic association analysis of gestational diabetes in a population with
high levels of consanguineous marriage
Supervisors: Dr Mark Iles, Professor Eamonn Sheridan
Funding: Alan and Joan Webster Studentship
A PhD studentship is available for UK and EU citizens only. The studentship will attract an
annual tax-free stipend of £14,296 for up to 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress and will
cover the UK/EU tuition fees.
You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours
degree in a relevant subject. This project would suit a student with a strong background in
statistics or a related computational field and an interest in the application of genomics to the
benefit of human health.
Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English
language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study, the Faculty minimum
requirements are:
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British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0
TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than
21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.
Research Project:
Gestational diabetes is far more common in British mothers of Pakistani descent than in
other ethnic groups1. Part of this may be due to environmental exposures (diet, exercise,
etc.) but these do not fully explain the risk and it is believed that genetic variation is an
important factor. This project aims to identify the genetic variants increasing risk of
gestational diabetes by utilising both genotype and genetic sequence data from over 3,000
mothers of Pakistani descent from the Born in Bradford cohort2. There has been little work
on the effect of common genetic variants in ethnic minorities, who are typically
underrepresented in genetic epidemiological studies. This population is of particular genetic
interest given its distinct genetic structure into clans (known as biraderis) and tradition of
consanguineous marriage. The project is potentially wide-ranging and offers a variety of
possible avenues to follow. Candidates should have a good first degree in a relevant
scientific discipline with a strong grasp of statistical analysis (either through formal
qualification or experience). An interest in genetics is important, but no prior knowledge is
required.
Environment:
The Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics has an international reputation in the field of
genetic epidemiology. Members of the section lead GenoMEL, the world’s largest melanoma
genetics consortium and are part of large consortia studying the genetics of diseases such
as testis cancer, colorectal cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
The Section of Genetics has a major interest in inherited disorders, in particular neurological
conditions. Most rare paediatric neurological disease has a genetic basis. The risk of
congenital anomalies in the local population in Bradford is about twice the average for
England and Wales. Genetic data indicate that a considerable element of this is due to
autosomal recessive disorders3. We have a longstanding interest in these disorders and in
the identification and characterisation of novel disease genes.
Reference:
1. Farrar, D., Fairley, L., Santorelli, G., Tuffnell, D., Sheldon, T.A., Wright, J., van Overveld,
L., and Lawlor, D.A. (2015). Association between hyperglycaemia and adverse
perinatal outcomes in south Asian and white British women: analysis of data from the
Born in Bradford cohort. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology 3, 795-804.
2. Narasimhan, V.M., Hunt, K.A., Mason, D., Baker, C.L., Karczewski, K.J., Barnes, M.R.,
Barnett, A.H., Bates, C., Bellary, S., Bockett, N.A., et al. (2016). Health and
population effects of rare gene knockouts in adult humans with related parents.
Science.
3. Sheridan, E., Wright, J., Small, N., Corry, P.C., Oddie, S., Whibley, C., Petherick, E.S.,
Malik, T., Pawson, N., McKinney, P.A., et al. (2013). Risk factors for congenital
anomaly in a multiethnic birth cohort: an analysis of the Born in Bradford study.
Lancet 382, 1350-1359.
How to apply:
To apply for this studentship applicants should complete a Faculty Scholarship Application
form and send this alongside a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still
studying) and degree certificates to the Faculty Graduate School [email protected]
We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees
to send these references on your behalf, directly to [email protected] by no later than
Thursday 16 March 2017
Potential applicants are welcome to contact Dr Mark Iles with informal enquiries about this
research project [email protected]
Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to [email protected]
Closing date for this studentship is Thursday 16 March 2017