The project:

The MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol has established a 4 year inter-disciplinary PhD programme.

The aim of our Integrative Epidemiology PhD programme is to train graduates from a wide range of disciplines (e.g. natural sciences, biostatistics, molecular genetics, econometrics, biochemistry, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering and computational science) to integrate molecular, cellular, clinical and population data to identify the causal effects of potentially modifiable exposures on health-related outcomes. The PhD studentships are funded for 4 years and have two components:

1) a foundation year combining specific and generic skills training with practical experience gained from undertaking three 'mini-projects' each lasting 3 months and reflecting the programmes and cross-cutting themes of the Unit. Mini projects can be chosen from a range of topics to match individual training needs:

• Causal and translational epidemiology
• Data mining and bioinformatics
• Molecular/genetic sciences, including metabolomics and epigenetics and a laboratory attachment
• Statistical and econometric methodology
• Innovative data capture methods and cohort study methods in epidemiology

The rotations will be integrated with attendance at 1-5 day basic and advanced research skills trainingshort courses, including new programme-specific courses (e.g. Epigenetic Epidemiology; Computational Medicine and Integrating Omics and Epidemiology)

2) a 3-Yr PhD project.

The University

All of your studies will be at the University of Bristol, a leading UK research university. The university is near the centre of Bristol, a vibrant and leading UK city.

The MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol offers an integrated approach to postgraduate education in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. It complements parallel PhD programmes at the University including (amongst others) those in Molecular, Genetic and Lifecourse Epidemiology; Dynamic Cell Biology; Neurosciences, and Complexity Sciences.

These studentships are in open competition for applicants who satisfy the eligibility requirements and are awarded for a period of four years. The studentships cover university tuition fees and, for those eligible, a stipend at the level recommended by Research Councils UK (tax free). Students also receive a research budget, transferable-skills training and a travel/conference allowance.

For further details about the 4 year PhD Programme in Integrative Epidemiology, potential topics and supervisors please email scm-postgrad-admin@bristol.ac.uk. You are strongly advised to discuss your PhD proposal with potential supervisors.

Closing date 5pm on Thursday 16^th April 2015 for 3 studentships to start in Oct 2015.

Interviews held 5^th May 2015

Candidate requirements:

You will need:

• Your CV, including full details of university course grades.

• A covering letter stating clearly that you are applying for the 4-Year PhD Programme in Integrative Epidemiology

 • A research proposal comprising at least two A4 pages describing your ideas, research methods and a timetable for the research.

• A personal statement (250 words max).

• Names and full contact details of 2 referees. (Not your supervisors)

• A copy of your degree certificates and transcripts. 

Funding: MRC/UoB

How to apply:

Please make an online application for this project at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and on the Programme Choice page enter Social & Community Medicine and enter details of the studentship when prompted in Funding and Research Details.