PhD Studentship in Kidney Disease: Multi-omics of Inherited Cystic Kidney Diseases

Award summary

100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £20,780

Overview

Interested in developing new experimental systems for previously unknown disease mechanisms? This MRC-funded PhD project will use an integrative multi-omics framework to explore the molecular landscape of cystic kidney disease to reveal unknown disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic avenues.

Inherited cystic kidney diseases, including Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) and Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD), are major contributors to end-stage renal disease worldwide. While genetic mutations (e.g., in PKD1, PKD2, and PKHD1) are known to underlie these conditions, the complex molecular pathways that govern cyst initiation, growth, and progression remain poorly understood.

Recent advances in omics technologies—genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics—offer a powerful, integrative approach to comprehensively dissect the molecular landscape of cystic kidney diseases. In this PhD, you will use a multi-omics framework to illuminate disease mechanisms, reveal novel biomarkers, and identify therapeutic targets with the potential to transform clinical management.

We are seeking a non-clinical PhD candidate with high-level bioinformatics skills to join our internationally renowned, multi-disciplinary team in Newcastle. This position provides an opportunity for an outstanding bioinformatician to develop their career and skills within a combined team of clinicians and academics in a vibrant, translational research environment that works closely with patients and their families.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 15/09/2025 

Award duration: 3 years 

Sponsor: Medical Research Council

Supervisors: Professor John Sayer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute 

Eligibility criteria

You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a masters degree (e.g. MRes) with merit, or international equivalent in an appropriate subject, including: biomedical sciences, biochemistry, bioinformatics. The candiate must have a strong foundation in bioinformatics and use of -omics tools. Familiarity with whole genome, exome and transcriptome sequencing workflows is advantageous.

This studentship is only available to applicants with a Home fee status (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subsection. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Application Portal.

In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in 'Type of Study', ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2025’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8420F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Biosciences (FT)’, and save selection.

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘BI099’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’.

When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required.

You can also upload a covering letter/CV, stating how your interests and experience relate to the project.

Degree transcripts/certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if completed must be uploaded.

Contact Details

For further details, please contact:

Professor John Sayer

Translational and Clinical Research Institute

E-mail: john.sayer@ncl.ac.uk

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