PhD Positions in AI and Biology for Fast-Tracking Rare Disease Therapies at the Liggins Institute

The Liggins Institute at The University of Auckland is recruiting three PhD students to join a pioneering project focused on fast-tracking rare disease research, moving from diagnosis to custom therapies. The Institute has established a rapid diagnosis programme for genetic diseases in critically ill newborns, achieving a 70% diagnostic success rate. However, the journey for most children ends at diagnosis, with precision medicine and effective therapies often out of reach. This new initiative aims to bridge that gap by integrating detailed clinical and phenotypic assessment, genomic and multi-omic data, and biological verification to guide critical treatment decisions. PhD candidates will work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, leveraging AI (including deep learning), biology, and clinical data to develop and implement frameworks that accelerate the transition from genetic discovery to real-world therapies. The Liggins Institute is renowned for its global leadership in maternal and child health research, with a track record of discoveries that have become standard clinical practice worldwide. The Institute's unique structure fosters daily collaboration between clinicians and scientists, supported by a shared 10,000 sq. ft. laboratory and integral clinical partnerships. Applicants should have a strong background in AI and biology, and a passion for helping people. The opportunity is ideal for those interested in genomics, rare diseases, precision medicine, and translational research. No specific funding details are provided in the announcement. To apply, candidates should send a CV and cover letter to Professor Justin M. O'Sullivan at [email protected] by March 15, 2026. For more information about the supervisor, see Justin M. O'Sullivan's LinkedIn .