Discovering new genes and developing a diagnostic tool for lipodystrophy, a step towards understanding lean type 2 diabetes Ref: 5848

Supervisors

Professor Kash Patel - University of Exeter - Faculty of HLS

Professor Mike Weedon - University of Exeter - Faculty of HLS

Professor Bev Shields - University of Exeter - Faculty of HLS

The University of Exeter’s Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by Diabetes UK to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £18,700 for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based in RILD Building in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences in Exeter.

Project:

While the health risks of obesity are well-known, there is a subset of individuals who maintain a healthy weight but still get cardiometabolic diseases, like Type 2 diabetes. These individuals store fat around their internal organs like the stomach, liver, and pancreas, rather than under their skin. This unusual fat storage leads to serious issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Doctors often miss these problems because these people appear healthy on the outside.

The student will use data from around 1 million people looking at their genes and medical records to address this clinically important condition.  The research has two primary aims:

-          Genetic discovery: to identify and understand the genes that might cause people to store fat around their organs, helping to find new treatments.

-          Clinical Translation: To create a statistical tool that uses information from blood tests and medical records to help doctors identify patients with these hidden health risks.

As a PhD student, you will receive comprehensive training in genetic analysis, bioinformatics, and clinical research. You will be part of a world-leading department, benefiting from an extremely supportive research environment, cutting-edge facilities, and mentorship from leading experts.

Our department boasts an exceptional track record of training, with our students winning the top research award at the UK and European diabetes conferences for the past four years. This studentship offers an excellent platform to develop a strong foundation in translational research, bioinformatics, and big data –  highly transferable skills essential for a successful career in academia or industry.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. However, please note the following:

• The award covers only part of the international tuition fee, approximately £24,000.
• It does not include a stipend for living expenses.
• International applicants will need to cover additional costs, including:
• Student visa fees
• Immigration Health Surcharge
• Relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK to undertake a PhD.

Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Health and Medical Mathematics and Statistics, Genomics, Data Science.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.

•             CV

•             Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

•             Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•             Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•             If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 22nd April 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually in 2-4 weeks after the closing date.  

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5848 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary