Genomic Control of Human Complex Trait Variation

Project opportunity

This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.

Most of the variation in humans is complex because it is influenced by large numbers of genetic factors as well as the environment. The last decade has seen substantial progress in identifying regions of the genome associated with complex trait variation, with technological advances in DNA sequencing and array technologies resulting in enormous quantities of human genetic and phenotypic data being generated. However, there are still major gaps in our knowledge of the genetic architecture underlying variation in complex traits, including understanding the biological mechanisms underlying genetic associations, understanding differences across population and between the sexes and the role of environmental influences. The continuing challenge is to use the still rapidly increasing amounts of genomic to drive knowledge gain and contribute societal benefits.  The overall aims of this project are to use the combination of international data-sets of millions of people with both genotype and phenotype data and ‘omics data-sets with measures on DNA methylation and gene-expression on thousands of people to address fundamental questions in human complex trait variation.

Scholarship value

As a scholarship recipient, you'll receive: 

  • living stipend of $32,192 per annum tax free (2023 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered
  • single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Supervisor

Dr Allan McRae

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Email: a.mcrae@imb.uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your

  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history.

A working knowledge of genetics, statistics, bioinformatics and high-throughput computing would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of genomics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of statistics and computing is highly desirable.

Latest commencement date

If you are the successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 4, 2022. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date.

If you are an international applicant, you may need to apply much earlier for visa requirements.

How to apply

You apply for this project as part of your PhD program application.

View application process