PhD in Statistics for Biologists: Leveraging User Design for Transcriptomics Analysis

Principal supervisor Wendi Bacon (School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences)

Co-supervisors Stefanie Biedermann (Mathematics & Statistics) | Paul Mulholland (Knowledge Media Institute)

External supervisors Andrew Stubbs (Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands), Berry Kriesels (Omnigen)

Ref: PhD Studentship in Statistics for Biologists

Based in The School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences (LHCS), The Open University, Milton Keynes

Four years from February 2023

Stipend: Tax-free stipend (approximately £1,450/month)

Statistics underpin the algorithms that biologists use - often with minimal statistical training. Single-cell RNA-sequencing is a cutting-edge bioinformatics field aiming to identify all the cell types within an organism. There is more data than data analysts – how do we empower analysis?

The Galaxy Platform allows users to analyse data without programming skills. The Galaxy Training Network provides a platform for training using Galaxy. The student will interrogate datasets with our industry partner Omnigen to identify biomarkers in disease as a proof of principle. They will use this to develop much-needed materials for advanced single-cell and spatial analyses within the Galaxy platform. They will use human computer-interaction design methods to assess the materials and the decision-making by users, with an emphasis on engaging non-mathematicians in the vital statistics they (often incorrectly) use. This student will evaluate this unique pipeline in how we develop accurate analyses – and analysts – of the future. 

Further information

This Four-year studentship as part of EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership with Omnigen: Enhanced, tax-free stipend (approximately £1,450/month); housing and travel fully covered while on placement, Student visa fees & health insurance covered (if necessary).

Location

The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom; Two 5-month placements in the Netherlands with Omnigen.

This studentship is suitable forFull time students with a Masters degree or equivalent in statistics or related EPSRC field.

Informal enquiries relating to the project should be directed to Dr Wendi Bacon ([email protected] ).

How to Apply

Please send an email with your CV, a completed application form and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date) to [email protected] . You do not need to submit a research proposal.

You can find more information in the following link: http://www.open.ac.uk/science/life-health-chemical-sciences/phd-studentships-vacancies

Closing date: 23rd September,2022 at 12:00 noon.

Interview date: On-line interviews will be held on 11th October 2022. [can be flexible on date if needed]

LHCS holds Athena Swan Bronze Status. We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.