This PhD project, based at the University of Leicester in the Department of Population Health Sciences, offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the genetic and imaging correlates of fibrosis across multiple organs. Fibrosis, the body's wound-healing response, can become pathological and is implicated in a wide range of diseases, accounting for approximately 30% of deaths. Despite its prevalence, effective treatments are limited, and the mechanisms underlying fibrotic disease remain incompletely understood.

The project aims to integrate large-scale genetic data with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) metrics to identify genetic variants associated with fibrosis and to understand how these relate to organ changes detectable by MRI. By studying fibrosis across different organs simultaneously, the research seeks to uncover shared and distinct genetic mechanisms, explore sex differences in disease prevalence, and investigate the co-occurrence of fibrotic diseases in different organs.

As a student, you will develop expertise in statistical genetics, epidemiology, and functional genomics, with a strong emphasis on bioinformatics and machine learning for image analysis. The programme includes approximately three months at the University of Nottingham, where you will receive advanced training in MRI and image analysis techniques at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre. Supervisory support is provided by Prof L Wain (University of Leicester), Professor Sue Francis (University of Nottingham), Dr Richard Allen (University of Leicester), and Dr Eleanor Cox (University of Nottingham).

Funding is highly competitive and comprehensive: successful applicants receive four years of stipend at UKRI rates, four years of tuition fees at UK fee rates, and a full overseas fee waiver for all international students accepted at Leicester. There is also a budget for research training support and laptop purchase. The programme is open to UK and international applicants, with up to 30% of places available for overseas students.

Applicants should have a strong academic background in genetics, bioinformatics, biomedical sciences, medical physics, or a related discipline. Experience or interest in statistical genetics, epidemiology, functional genomics, or image analysis (including machine learning) is desirable. International applicants must meet the University of Leicester's English language requirements.

The application deadline is January 9, 2026. To apply, visit the MRC AIM PhD Opportunities portal. For project-specific enquiries, contact Prof L Wain at [email protected]; for programme enquiries, email [email protected].

References supporting the research include recent studies on fibrotic multimorbidity, genetic risk mapping, and consensus classification of fibrotic diseases. This project is ideal for candidates interested in interdisciplinary research at the interface of genetics, imaging, and computational analysis, with the potential to contribute to improved understanding and treatment of fibrotic diseases.