Leveraging cell-free DNA epigenomics to predict adverse prenatal outcomes

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student preferably with a clinical background/ clinical trainee in Obstetrics and Gynaecology who wants to develop transferable research skills with a focus on pregnancy cohort study development, computational science and epigenetics. The project is part of a £3M strategic investment by Barts Charity to develop novel diagnostic solutions based on cell-free nucleic acids. The candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary team that encompasses clinicians and molecular/computational scientists from the QMUL Centre for Epigenetics (https://www.qmul.ac.uk/epigenetics/).

A summary of the project is below:

Preeclampsia is one of the major pregnancy complications, can affect ~7% of pregnancies and leads to increased cardiovascular complications in mothers during pregnancy and in the long term. The infants born to mothers with preeclampsia have increased risk of neonatal complications including preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, feed intolerance, poor growth, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Earlier detection of preeclampsia has the potential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes as well as help in discovery and development of treatment modalities.

Advances in sequencing technologies have enabled the analysis of “liquid biopsies”, whereby diagnosis is based on biomolecules from non-solid biological tissue, primarily blood. The most analysed component is cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which is released in the blood by dying cells, and can be informative long before symptoms appear or disease relapses. Whilst cfDNA-based genetic testing has already entered the clinic, liquid biopsies harbour a wealth of largely untapped additional biological information in the form of countless epigenetic marks, which are more dynamic and indicative of early changes in tissue homeostasis. This project aims to identify cell-free epigenomic biomarkers for pregnancy and neonatal outcomes that have clinical utility and impact on clinical decision making.

Subject Areas:

Adverse pregnancy outcomes, pre-eclampsia, cohort study, cell-free DNA , epigenetics

Application Enquiries

Professor Stamatina Iliodromiti

[email protected]

Professor Miguel Branco

[email protected]

How to apply:

To be considered for this PhD, please apply here, and include the following documents:

1)   CV (2pgs max);

2)   Personal statement (1pg max) – this statement should include: why you are interested in undertaking this project; what relevant existing skills, training, and knowledge you would bring to the project.

Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide transcripts and two references.