PhD position: The role of exposome in the development of hypertension and its interactions with genetic risk
Research project: The role of exposome in the development of hypertension and its interactions with genetic risk
About the project:
The aim of the project is to understand the role of exposome, metabolites and genetic risk in the development of hypertension. This PhD project will utilise the datasets, knowledge and collaborations from ongoing exposome projects in the Institute of Genomics, by focusing on hypertension which is a risk factor for many non-communicable diseases. The project will also build on ongoing analyses of a large metabolomics dataset for 200,000 individuals in relation to associations between metabolites and diseases.
The student will analyse datasets from the Estonian Biobank which has over 210,000 participants. The datasets available for all biobank participants include genetic risk, metabolites, external exposome, lifestyle information, diagnoses (ICD10 codes) and medications (ATC codes).
Initially, the student will analyse exposome datasets and identify environmental factors which are associated with incident hypertension. Then, interactions of exposome and genetic risk will be analysed. Final part of the project will concentrate on causal models, integrating genetic risk, exposome and metabolites in relation to hypertension development.
Supervisors: Dr. Jaanika Kronberg, Dr. Oliver Aasmets
Who we are:
Exposome studies in the University of Tartu are a joint effort between several groups: functional genomics and microbiome groups in the Estonian Genome Centre, Institute of Genomics and statistics group in the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics which brings together knowledge and skills from different fields. We use large omics datasets to understand the development of diseases and are excited to add exposomics to other omics layers.
More information about the groups can be found here:
https://genomics.ut.ee/en/content/research-group-functional-genomics
https://genomics.ut.ee/en/research-group-microbiome
What we expect from the applicant:
- Masters degree in statistics, bioinformatics, computer science or related fields and demonstrable experience in statistics
- Skilled in R and/or Python
- Experience with large biological datasets is beneficial but not mandatory
- Interest in exposome
- English: written and spoken level B2 or higher
What we offer:
- To be part of an exciting field and contribute to the development of exposomics in Estonia
- A great opportunity to work with Estonian Biobank data to understand more about the exposome
- Gain new skills in statistics and epidemiology and the analysis of large datasets in the University of Tartu High Performance Computing Center (UT HPC)
- A friendly, international and inspiring working environment in a walkable city with easy access to green space
What is needed to apply:
- Motivation letter (see guidelines under the application link below).
- Curriculum vitae (see relevant form under the application link below)
- Official copies of both bachelor’s and master’s diplomas and diploma supplements (transcripts) in the original language.
- Official translations of the diplomas and diploma supplements into English (if not present in the originals).
- Proof of English language proficiency at a satisfactory level (B2).
- Copy of the passport page stating the applicant’s personal particulars.
Application period: 1st–15th May 2025
Start date of studies: 1st September 2025
Get familiar:
- About admission to doctoral studies in the Faculty of Science and Technology: https://reaalteadused.ut.ee/en/node/111725
- About doctoral studies in University of Tartu: https://ut.ee/en/doctoral-studies
- About Tartu: https://visittartu.com
- About living in Estonia: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/
Contact: Do not hesitate to contact the main supervisor Jaanika Kronberg ([email protected]) with any enquiries regarding the project, and Merilin Raud ([email protected]) with general enquiries about PhD studies in UT IG.
