The role of genetics in the development and mechanism of human traits

Overview

The Statistical and Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory (SGEL) studies the role of genetics in the development and mechanism of human traits, with particular emphasis on migraine, and the specific goal of identifying genetic risk factors and detecting common genetic links with other disorders, in particular depression, endometriosis, and epilepsy.

Research activities

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have proven extremely successful as an approach to identify genomic loci and their constituent genetic variants which are statistically associated with risk for human complex diseases; however, the biological mechanisms through which they act are still largely unknown.

Therefore, my research projects involve the development and application of statistical methods and multi-omic resources to identify the causal variants; target genes, tissue- and cell- types; and disease mechanisms of GWAS loci to translate GWAS discoveries into biological insight and clinical interventions.

As part of this research, you may also develop novel statistical and bioinformatics programs that may be used by other researchers.

Outcomes

The identification of causal genetic factors and how they interact with environmental exposures will provide a deeper understanding of the aetiology of migraine and its comorbid disorders, improve our ability to prevent and treat attacks, facilitate the discovery of novel pathways, and identify new targets for drug therapy.

Skills and experience

Applicants should ideally have knowledge in genetics and/or epidemiology along with statistical and computational skills. Experience with the Linux/Unix operating system, a programming language (e.g., C/C++, Java, Perl, Python) and at least one statistical package (e.g., R, SPSS) is also highly desired. However, if you are motivated, we can teach you. You will also have the opportunity to receive more formal training by participating in courses and workshops held locally and overseas.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

• genetics
• risk
• migraine
• headache
• depression
• endometriosis
• epilepsy
• motion sickness
• colic
• hormones
• genomic
• omic
• multiomic

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.