PhD position: Genetics of individual hormone sensitivity

Title: Genetics of individual hormone sensitivity

About the project:

Cyclical fluctuations in female sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, influence women’s physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Sensitivity to these hormones is widespread but often underestimated and underreported. Individual hormone sensitivity is reflected in conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), responses to hormonal medications, certain pregnancy-related conditions, and (peri)menopausal symptoms. While conditions reflecting hormonal sensitivity are partially heritable, their genetic determinants remain largely uncharacterized. This project is based on data from the Estonian Biobank, which includes 210,000 participants, 136,000 of whom are women. The aim of the study is to map the genetic architecture and biological basis of hormonal sensitivity.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Triin Laisk, Professor Reedik Mägi

Who we are:

Our team uses large-scale genetic and health data to better understand different aspects of women’s health.

What we expect from the applicant:

• Master’s degree in biology, gene technology, genetics, genomic epidemiology or another related specialisation.
• Deep interest in human genetics and women’s health.
• English: written and spoken level B2 and higher.
• Bioinformatics experience or data analysis skills are beneficial but not mandatory.

What we offer:

• To be part of our international and enthusiastic team of researchers and students with great perspective for personal and professional growth.
• An opportunity to develop skills in genomic epidemiology at the University of Tartu Institute of Genomics (UT IG).
• A possibility to learn new skills in the analysis and interpretation of large genomic data in the University of Tartu High Performance Computing Center (UT HPC).
• A friendly, supportive and inspiring working environment.

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

Apply here!

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 Triin Laisk (triin.laisk@ut.ee) with any enquiries regarding the project or the group, and Merilin Raud (merilin.raud@ut.ee) with general enquiries about PhD studies in UT IG.