DTP iCase interdisciplinary PhD studentship in Public Health and Primary Care (non-clinical)

Applications are invited for a non-clinical PhD studentship (starting October 2026) based within the Department of Public Health and Primary Care (https://www.phpc.cam.ac.uk/), University of Cambridge.

Academic supervisors: Dr Elias Allara, HDR UK Clinical Research Fellow and Professor Angela Wood, NIHR Professor of Health Data Science

Academic supervisor department: Public Health and Primary Care

Non-academic partner supervisor: Dr Suvi Hokkanen, Senior Director - Human Disease Understanding

Non-academic partner company: Novo Nordisk

Project title: Identifying shared drug targets between cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases: integrating genomics with real-world evidence

Project summary: Despite decades of research, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke remain the leading causes of death worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for novel prevention strategies. This PhD project aims to (1) identify pharmaceutical targets shared between >300 non-cardiovascular diseases (non-CVDs) and either CHD or stroke, and (2) evaluate opportunities for drug repurposing that could simultaneously address non-CVD indications while reducing cardiovascular risk. An example of this project's translational potential is the interleukin-6 inhibitor class, approved for non-CVD indications (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) and now under investigation for cardiovascular benefits (e.g. ziltivekimab in the ZEUS trial, NCT05021835, sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the project's industrial partner).

The student will use a combination of statistical genetics and real-world evidence approaches to identify high-priority therapeutic targets with cross-disease potential. For example: (i) Mendelian randomization: using genetic variation as a "natural experiment" to test whether a risk factor (such as a protein) causes disease; (ii) Colocalization: determining whether genetic signals for two traits (e.g. CHD and another disease) likely share the same causal variant; (iii) Target trial emulation: analysing observational health data in a way that mimics a clinical trial. Mendelian randomization and colocalization will be applied to genome-wide associations study data from >2M participants in large biobanks (e.g. UK Biobank, the Million Veteran Program, Our Future Health) to identify loci with shared genetic architecture across diseases, building on the supervisory team's experience with similar work (e.g. Karjalainen, Nature, 2024). These loci will be mapped to therapeutic agents using resources such as Open Targets and DrugBank, as in a previous study from our team which identified repurposing opportunities for approved medications (Gaziano, Nature Medicine, 2021). Real-world prescribing and outcome data from >60M individuals will be used to assess repurposing potential, using a target trial emulation approach and leveraging the supervisory team's experience with whole-population NHS England datasets (e.g. Kerr, Lancet, 2024; Allara, Lancet Public Health, 2025).

The project is designed to be flexible, with scope for the student to pursue their own directions (e.g. novel target areas, incorporation of machine learning approaches, or integration of new datasets) as the PhD develops. Findings are expected to lead to publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major international conferences. The student will also contribute to open-source analytical tools and curated drug target resources.

The student will learn techniques including genome-wide association studies, Mendelian randomization, colocalization, target trial emulation, and whole-population data analysis. They will benefit from the leading expertise at the University of Cambridge and Novo Nordisk, receiving senior scientific mentorship throughout the duration of their PhD. The student will have the opportunity to undertake a cumulative 3-18 months of placement with Novo Nordisk – either as a single continuous period or split across shorter placements – gaining first-hand experience of how genetic and epidemiological evidence informs drug discovery and development. They will also be exposed to industrial R&D practices, including target prioritization, safety evaluation, and decision-making processes.

We welcome applicants with strong quantitative skills, ideally with a solid grounding in genetics, biology, pharmacology, medicine or a related discipline. Experience in analysing large datasets and proficiency in statistical programming (e.g. R or Python) will be advantageous, though training will be provided. A curiosity about translating genetic discoveries into clinical and therapeutic advances is essential.

Applicants are expected to hold at least a first or upper second-class degree from a UK University or an equivalent standard from an overseas university in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

To check if your international qualification meets the University minimum requirement, please consult the International section of our website.

We invite applications from UK and non-UK students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees). International students who are able to cover the additional costs of all overseas tuition fees through scholarships or funding schemes will also be considered.

The studentship provides a stipend of £23,280. UK-level tuition fees are covered: non-UK applicants will need to secure additional funding for overseas student fees. Further information on possible sources of support for non-UK applicants can be found at https://www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk/ as well as through external funding opportunities.

Please ensure you meet the University of Cambridge entrance requirements: see https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/entry-requirements.

To apply please visit: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvphpdhpc

Please include the following information in your application: Course Details: PhD in Public Health & Primary Care (Full-time), Start Date: October 2026, Michaelmas Term, Academic Supervisor(s): Dr Elias Allara and Professor Angela Wood, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Research Title: Identifying shared drug targets between cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases: integrating genomics with real-world evidence, Reference: Add SN47332 reference to your application, DPT Theme: Include DPT Theme: 'Data Science for Health' on your application.

In order to apply for this opportunity, you will need: Details of two academic referees (references will be taken up immediately), Transcript(s), CV/resume, Evidence of competence in English, Statement of Interest outlining your suitability, why you are interested in a PhD in this area, your background and research interests, You should specifically select iCase as your chosen funding source (as well as any other funding you believe is needed).

Interview and Selection process: The deadline for applications is 2nd December 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview between December 2025 and January 2026. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their interview soon after. If successful at the department interview, applicants will be put forward to a second interview for consideration for DTPMR iCase funding.

Key information: Department/location: Department of Public Health and Primary Care, The Primary Care Unit, Reference: SN47332, Category: Studentships, Date published: 18 September 2025, Closing date: 2 December 2025.