Using genetics to understand the complex relationships between type 2 diabetes and depression in diverse global settings Ref: 5096

Supervisors

Dr Jess Tyrrell, University of Exeter

Prof Inês Barroso, University of Exeter

Dr Renu Bala, University of Exeter

Location:

The University of Exeter’s Department of Clincal and Biomedical Science is inviting applications for a PhD studentship fully-funded by Diabetes UK to commence on 23rd September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £19,237 for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in Genetics of Complex Traits Group in the Department of Clincal and Biomedical Science, which is part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the St Luke’s Campus in Exeter.

Funding:

This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £19,237 per year tax-free stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee (~£24k) and no stipend. 

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 3 years of full-time study to commence on 23 September 2024. International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

About the Project

Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD Studentship funded by Diabetes UK to commence in September 2024. The studentship will be jointly supervised by Dr Jess Tyrrell, Prof Inês Barroso and Dr Renu Bala at the University of Exeter.

Drs Tyrrell and Bala specialize in using large scale human datasets to uncover the causal mechanisms leading to metabolic or psychological health problems. Professor Barroso is a world leader in the genetic aetiology and mechanisms of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The principal research aim of this project is to use big data and human genetic approaches in 10,000s of individuals to establish a more complete understanding of the complex relationships between type 2 diabetes and depression in diverse global settings. Our overall aim will be achieved by addressing related questions:

1. Is there a bidirectional causal relationship between depression and diabetes?

2. Does obesity and/or other modifiable risk factors mediate the depression and diabetes relationship?

3. What are the consequences of having both depression and diabetes?

4. Are findings consistent in diverse datasets?

We will use statistical genetic approaches, including Mendelian randomisation, to address these questions.

This project will provide important information about the complex relationship between depression and diabetes, thereby informing global decisions on medical management and public health strategies for both conditions.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in relevant subject, such as maths and statistics, biology, genetics and computer science. 

If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 in IELTS and no less than 6.0 in any section by the start of the project.  Alternative tests may be acceptable (see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/).

For further information and to apply – click here: Award details Funding and scholarships for students University of Exeter

In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents:

• CV

• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 26th April 2024. Interviews will be held virtually / on the University of St Luke’s Campus in the week commencing 29th April 2024. 

If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk or phone +44(0)1392 722730 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 725150 (EU/International callers) Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor (j.tyrrell@exeter.ac.uk).