Data driven discovery in Alzheimer’s Disease: Linking clinical biomarkers, novel proteomic signatures, and demographics for advanced early risk prediction (VC2654)

About the Project

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is seeking to attract a PhD candidate of outstanding ability and commitment to join its vibrant and growing programme of internationally excellent research.

Dementia is a growing global health challenge, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for most cases and contributing substantially to disability and health inequalities. Increasing evidence suggests that a significant proportion of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed through improved early‑risk identification and targeted intervention.

This PhD project will investigate molecular, demographic and lifestyle signatures associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk, with the aim of supporting prevention‑focused strategies and reducing inequalities in cognitive ageing. The student will analyse large, well‑characterised cohorts spanning mid‑life to older adulthood, including diverse and under‑represented populations, which integrate blood‑based biomarkers and proteomic data with cognitive, demographic and lifestyle measures. Using advanced statistical and computational approaches, the project will identify biological pathway signatures, stratify individuals into meaningful risk profiles, and develop predictive models to estimate early AD risk.

The student will join an interdisciplinary supervisory team with expertise in chronic disease, biomarker discovery and predictive modelling, and will receive training in data analysis and scientific communication. The project will generate publishable findings, support conference dissemination, and provide a strong foundation for future translational and intervention‑focused research in ageing and dementia.

The candidate/eligibility criteria

Applicants should have a strong academic background (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in one or more of these topics: computational biology, data science, neuroscience, biomedical or biological sciences, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate a clear interest in data‑driven research and enthusiasm for using statistical or computational approaches to address biological questions, particularly in neurodegenerative disease, cognitive ageing or ageing biology. Applicants should be motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, and committed to reproducible and impactful research.

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain

For more information, or to discuss the project informally, please contact (via email) Dr Farah Jaber-Hijazi, Farah.Jaber@uws.ac.uk

Application Deadline: 15/06/2026

Start Date: 01/10/2026

Applications must be made via the UWS Online System.

Funding Notes

This is a fully funded PhD Studentship and includes payment of tuition fees for 36 months at the home/UK rate and an annual maintenance stipend equivalent to UKRI minimum stipend rate (£21,805pa from 01/10/2026).

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain.