PhD: Exploring the gene-environment interplay in the generation of health inequalities across the l

Applications are invited for a fully-funded studentship in Health Economics at the Department of Economics, University of Bristol. The project will explore the gene-environment interplay in the generation of health inequalities across the life course. We invite applications from eligible students for a studentship that would commence in October 2017 if the availability of funding is confirmed.

The project

Summary:The project will advance understanding of gene-environment interactions (GxE) in the formation of life course inequalities in health. Combining methods from genetics and social science, it will test whether privileged environments protect against genetic susceptibility to risky health behaviours, such as smoking and drinking.Although GxE analysis is not new, only a few studies have attempted to take into account the possible endogeneity (i.e. unobserved confounding) of the environment. This studentship will exploit ‘natural experiments’ to deal with unmeasured confounding, using data such as the UK Biobank and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

Training:The PhD student will engage in genetic, epidemiological, economics, as well as econometrics training. This will allow the student to work and collaborate across disciplines. The project will provide a general framework to analyse GxE for health outcomes, based on solid empirical identification.

Supervision: The interdisciplinary supervisory team consists of Dr. Stephanie von Hinke (main supervisor; Department of Economics, University of Bristol), Professor Frank Windmeijer (Department of Economics, University of Bristol), Dr. Neil Davies (School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol), and Professor Tim Frayling (Medical School, University of Exeter).

Funding & Eligibility

Funding:The studentship would be fully funded for 3.5 years (or 7 years part-time) by the MRC. It would consist of full UK/EU tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£14,553 p.a. for 2017/18, updated each year). The award will be payable in instalments, subject to satisfactory progress. Additional research and training funding is available over the course of the programme. This will cover some costs, such as research consumables, courses, conferences and travel.

Eligibility:We welcome students from non-medical backgrounds, especially in areas of economics, social science, and statistics. Applicants 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. For this project, we are looking for someone with strong quantitative skills, ideally in economics or a related discipline, though we are happy to consider other applicants with quantitative backgrounds.

We welcome applications from both UK and EU applicants. However, as a consequence of the EU referendum result, final award decisions will depend on the outcomes of the UK/EU negotiations. If the MRC withdraws funding for EU students, EU applicants will be ineligible.

All EU applicants must have been ordinarily resident in the EU for at least 3 years prior to the start of their proposed programme of study. Due to funding regulations there are fewer studentships available for EU students who have not been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of this course.

English:If English is not your first language you will need to have achieved at least 6.5 in IELTS (and no less than 6.5 in any section) by the start of the programme.

More information

Department of Economics, University of Bristol: More information on postgraduate study within the Department of Economics, University of Bristol, can be found here. More information on the Department of Economics can be found here.

Enquires:For enquiries, please contact Dr. Stephanie von Hinke: email protected

How to apply:You will need to complete this application for an ‘offer of funding’ by 9.30am, 8 June 2017. Students then undergo a two-part selection process, the first stage of which is a screening process by the supervisory team. This will be an informal interview between 9 and 16 June 2017. The Research Theme Panels will then shortlist the applicants who will be invited to interview in Cardiff on 30 June 2017. Full details of the application process are given here. Applicants who have not been contacted by 1 August 2017 should assume that they have been unsuccessful.

The process:1. Complete the application form 2. Arrange a meeting with your chosen supervisors (in person or via phone/video call) to discuss the project and your application between 9 and 16 June 2017 3. If shortlisted, submit two references and a copy of your academic transcript(s) by 29/6/2017 4. If shortlisted, attend an interview in Cardiff on 30 June 2017

Further details will be included in the shortlisting letter

Supervisor: Dr S Von Hinke