PhD studentship in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, with a focus in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

This is a unique opportunity to secure a fully funded 4-yr PhD position in a world-class university, with dual academic support being provided by the Department of Public Health and Primary Care (Professor Emanuele Di Angelantonio; https://www.phpc.cam.ac.uk/) and the Department of Haematology (Professor Willem H Ouwehand; http://www.haem.cam.ac.uk/) commencing January 2022. During your PhD you will work on large genomics data sets drawn from the UK-wide genome resources and new data currently being generated by the international Blood transfusion Genomics Consortium (www.bgc.io), Genomics England (https://www.genomicsengland.co.uk), UK Biobank (https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk) and the NIHR BioResource (https://bioresource.nihr.ac.uk). This is your opportunity in putting your mind to some of the major challenges in healthcare-focused machine learning and AI and genomics and to make a key contribution in bringing genomics to the frontline of medicine. The Cambridge University Departments of Public Health and Primary Care and Haematology work with colleagues at University College London and its hospital UCLH in applying a cross-disciplinary approach to develop healthcare-focused machine learning and AI solutions of the future. This is a challenge that requires critically-minded thinkers.

Who are we looking for?

At the very least you should hold (or be predicted to achieve) the equivalent of a first-class or upper-second undergraduate degree in biomedicine, Mathematics, computer science, or a general natural science. Experience with next generation sequencing technologies desirable, and skills in computer languages and code writing are highly relevant for the project. An aptitude for computer programming is essential. The appointee will receive the necessary training in applied statistics and genetics. Your supervisors will provide private tuition to develop further skills that you need to optimally contribute to the success of the PhD project.

What makes these PhD positions unique?

Our faculty of leading scientists and clinicians in Cambridge and London combine the power of world-leading machine learning and AI with cutting-edge research in mathematics, computer science, genomics and experimental medicine, computational biology, biostatistics, clinical research, healthcare policy and more. Our faculty is drawn from across the University of Cambridge, University College London and its affiliated hospitals, CUH and UCLH.

How to Apply?

Candidates will need to apply for admission through the University's Postgraduate Admissions application portal for the PhD in Public Health and Primary Care (Lent Term 2022): https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvphpdhpc

In your application you will be asked to complete a statement of interest outlining your suitability, why you are interested in a PhD in this area, your background and research interests and you will also be required to provide:

(i) your CV

(ii) your academic transcripts and

(iii) details of two academic referees.

Please ensure you meet the University of Cambridge entrance requirements: see https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/entry-requirements.

Applications will be accepted from within the UK and from non-UK countries. An annual stipend is available to the successful candidate.

We welcome informal conversations about this post: please contact Emanuele Di Angelantonio at [email protected] or Lindsay Walker (PA to Prof Willem Ouwehand) at [email protected].

Applications close on 30 September 2021

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview week commencing 11 October 2021

Please quote reference RH27348 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.