PhD Studentship: Functional genomics of health and unhealthy fat distribution

Overview

This studentship focuses on the functional genomics of health and unhealthy fat distribution. Storing fat safely under the skin protects against metabolic diseases such as heart failure and type 2 diabetes, whereas storing fat centrally around organs increases disease risk. Although human genetics has identified some protein-coding genes affecting fat distribution, most variation is found in non-coding regulatory regions. The project bridges data science with experimental biology, combining computational genomics and population genetics at the University of Exeter with stem-cell biology and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing at the University of Cambridge.

Requirements

The student will identify coding and non-coding variants associated with fat distribution using whole-genome sequencing data across massive multi-ancestry cohorts. They will integrate genetic signals with multi-omic epigenetic maps and AI predictions to prioritize causal regulatory elements, establish human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived adipocyte models patterned toward visceral and subcutaneous adipocytes, and quantify the functional impact of prioritized genes and regulatory variants using CRISPR-based perturbations.

What you get

The studentship provides coverage of fees and an annual stipend of £21,805 per annum for the 2026/7 period. Funding is provided by the EPSRC Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The project offers access to large-scale computational platforms and Cloud Trusted Research Environments at the University of Exeter to analyze over one million genomes, alongside advanced metabolic science, stem cell infrastructure, high-content imaging, and flow cytometry facilities at the University of Cambridge.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-12-08.