The University of Manchester – School of Translational Medicine
PhD Studentship
Musculoskeletal Research Group
The University of Manchester – School of Translational Medicine
An investigation into the genetic basis of susceptibility to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and response to systemic and biologic therapies
Dr Richard Warren & Dr Anne Barton
The objective of this 4-year PhD project is to investigate the complex disease genetics of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with a focus on comparing early onset psoriasis with late onset psoriasis. The studentship starts January 2011, providing full support for tuition fees, all associated research costs and an annual tax free stipend starting at £13,590. The PhD is available to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding.
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder with a prevalence of 2% in Caucasians. Around 20% of these patients will suffer from a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis. Both of these conditions occur with a greater frequency in close family members suggesting that genetics plays a part in their pathogenesis. However, the genetic variants which predispose individuals to these conditions are, as yet, poorly defined. In particular, there are two peaks in the age of onset of psoriasis and we believe the genetic drivers between these two types of psoriasis are likely to be different. Large scale collaborations across the UK mean that we have a large number of patients’ DNA collected and available for study in this interesting, yet complex, genetic area.
Oral and injectable treatments used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis do not work in all patients and can cause serious side effects in some. A second element of this project will therefore be to determine if genetic variation relevant to the mechanism of actions of these drugs is important in treatment efficacy and safety. The ultimate goal of such studies is to try and personalise therapy for the individual patient so that in the future a blood test prior to commencing treatment can aid drug choice.
The successful candidate would develop skills in genotyping, statistical analysis and sample recruitment and join a team of researchers investigating a number of complex diseases.
Research would be conducted within the arc Epidemiology Unit, widely acknowledged to be the premier institute in the UK investigating the genetics and epidemiology of arthritic diseases. The studentship would form the basis for a career in epidemiologic and/or genetic epidemiologic research.
Applicants should hold a minimum upper-second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a basic science. A Master’s in one of the biomedical/biological sciences would be an advantage but is not essential.
Please direct applications in the following format to the project lead, Dr Richard Warren (richard.warren@manchester.ac.uk) and Mrs Carol Sewell (carol.sewell@manchester.ac.uk):
- A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date.
- Contact details for two academic or professional referees.
- A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.
Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr Warren at the address above.
Applications are invited up to and including Friday 24 September 2010.
Filed Under: Health and Medical • The University of Manchester
