Postgraduate research
Genetic epidemiology of bronchiectasis
Qualification: PhD
Department: Population Health Sciences
Application deadline: 19 January 2026
Start date: 21 September 2026
Overview
Supervisors:
- Dr Kayesha Coley kayesha.coley@leicester.ac.uk
- Professor Louise Wain
Project description:
Once considered a rare disease, bronchiectasis has become increasingly incident and prevalent worldwide and is now recognised as the third most common chronic respiratory disease. It is characterised by progressive, irreversible widening of the bronchi, arising from a vicious cycle of impaired mucus clearance, recurrent respiratory infections, dysregulated inflammatory response and airway damage.
Despite its growing global burden, the biological mechanisms driving bronchiectasis remain poorly understood, and there are currently no licensed drug treatments, leaving patients with limited therapeutic options. Genomic association studies are a powerful approach to uncover mechanistic insights into disease biology and identify potential targets for new treatments.
In this project, you will investigate the genetic architecture of bronchiectasis using large-scale genomic datasets from evolving population-based biobanks and clinical cohorts. Using advanced bioinformatics and statistical genetic methodologies, you will identify genetic variants, genes and pathways associated with bronchiectasis susceptibility and progression, which will advance biological understanding and reveal new opportunities for drug development.
You will be supported by supervisors with expertise in respiratory genomics and statistical genetics, as well as experience with methodological approaches and datasets that will be explored in this project.
Project enquiries to Dr Kayesha Coley kayesha.coley@leicester.ac.uk
Funding
Funding
The College of Life Sciences studentship will provide:- 3.5 years UK fees
- 3.5 years stipend at the UKRI rates. Currently £20,780 per year for 2025/6.
Funds available within the School: Bench Fee of £1,500 per year for 3 years. RTSG of £1,500 per year for 3 years.
International applicants are welcome to apply. However, they must be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees. For 2025/26 this is £18,644 per year of study. 2026/27 rates to be confirmed. Visa, NHS charges and travel costs must also be met by the student.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent.The University of Leicester English language requirements apply.
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
Please email project enquiries to Dr Kayesha Coley kayesha.coley@leicester.ac.uk
Application advice please email to pgrapply@le.ac.uk
How to apply
How to apply
To apply please use the Apply Link at the bottom of the page and select September 2026.
With your application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you
- Degree Certificates and Transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available. Project supervisors are not able to act as referees
- In the funding section please specify CLS HS Coley
- Include the project supervisor's name and project title under the proposal section. (A proposal is not required).
Notes
Applications will be considered after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be informed by email.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Eligibility
Eligibility
UK and international applicants may apply.
International applicants please refer to the funding section to ensure you can meet these costs.
