PhD Study : Investigating susceptibility to Covid-19 and other diseases through epigenetic epidemiology

Summary

Modern clinical diagnostics and public health span a range of techniques and approaches, from molecular typing of the disease to tracking outbreaks using advanced data science approaches. Our labs have been at the forefront of the Test, Track and Trace program for the typing of SARS-CoV2 viral infection using both state of the art approaches for virus detection, which we helped to identify, install and optimise https://www.ulster.ac.uk/coronavirus/research/support/viral-diagnostic-testing, as well as new approaches to help map, graph, tabulate and analyse the emerging clusters and infectious trends during the current covid-19 outbreaks https://www.ulster.ac.uk/coronavirus/research/innovation/contact-tracing-data-analytics.

Our ability to step in and provide expert advice and analytics platforms was built on many years of leading-edge development of new tools and approaches, in the lab (1), on the computer (2), or both (3) and based on our joint expertise in genomics and epigenetics (4). We now wish to recruit a bright, driven and enthusiastic young scientist to help us in our efforts to determine the factors underlying the susceptibility to Covid-19 among the population of the island of Ireland as part of our successful COVRES funded project.

Tools developed will be applied to other diseases, including non-communicable ones. The successful candidate will initially help us analyse viral genomic sequences as well as matching host DNA to determine if there are underlying allelic patterns associated with severity. In a particularly novel aspect, and building on previous experience (5), we wish to look at the epigenetic marks present on the DNA of the patient, and any alterations associated with, or potentially predisposing to, infection.

A recent example of a bioinformatic tool developed by the lab would be the CandiMeth workflow(2), which can be applied to many different datasets, and we are currently developing tools for Covid-19 contact tracing which can be applied to other diseases. The project will consist of both lab- and computer-based components, the final balance can be adjusted to the successful applicant. Students are not required to have prior experience of both, but should have a good primary degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Personalised Medicine, Bioinformatics or another relevant area and be willing to engage and learn under suitable guidance.

Some prior experience in a lab or with bioinformatics, or a relevant MSc, would be an advantage.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living