Postgraduate research

Genetics of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis subtypes

Qualification: PhD

Department: Population Health Sciences

Application deadline: 12 October 2025

Start date: 05 January 2026

Overview

Open to UK and Overseas applicants.

Supervisors: 

PhD Population Health Sciences

Project: Genetics of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis subtypes

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease where the lungs become progressively scarred. There are limited treatment options and half of individuals die within 3 years of a diagnosis of IPF. IPF is also an extremely heterogeneous disease with disease progression and outcomes varying greatly between individuals. Using statistical genetics approaches we have identified multiple genetic loci as associated with development of IPF. However, little is known about subtypes of IPF and understanding the biological mechanisms that drive disease subtypes is vital in developing novel desperately needed targeted treatments. For this project, the student will use large-scale statistical genetics approaches on a high-performance computing cluster to test for associations with measures of IPF presentation. This will include investigating genetic associations with clinical features (such as image derived phenotypes from CT scans), physical tests (such as blood oxygen levels) and symptoms (such as cough or breathlessness). Approaches to investigate these will include genome-wide association studies for discovery analyses, colocalisation and polygenic risk score approaches to understand shared genetics and bioinformatic functional follow-up to identify important biological mechanisms. This project will suit an applicant with an analytical background in statistics, epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics or computer science. The student will be situated within an internationally leading Division of Genetic Epidemiology with expertise in leading genetics research and a background in pulmonary fibrosis research. The student will also work closely with collaborators within the Division of Respiratory Sciences to guide follow-up analyses of findings using human cell and tissue models.

Funding

Funding

The PhD is funded by the University of Leicester. 

The 3.5 year funding provides:

  • UK tuition fees
  • Stipend £19,237 per year
  • £1,500 per year research costs
  • £1,500 per year travel costs
     

 International students are required to fund the difference between UK and International fees (approximately £17.2k per year) and any additional visa, travel and health subsidy costs.

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

Project enquiries to Dr Richard Allen richard.allen@leicester.ac.uk

General enquiries to cls-pgr@le.ac.uk 

How to apply

How to apply

To apply please use the Apply Link at the bottom of the page and select January 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 Allen

Eligibility

Eligibility

This studentship is open to UK/ Home and International applicants. 

International applicants are required to pay the difference between Home/UK tuition fees - see funding information for more details. 

Application options

Apply Allen Apply now

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