Welcome

Statistical geneticists at SPH develop statistical methods for understanding the genetic basis of human diseases and traits.  These methods involve large-scale data sets from candidate-gene, genome-wide and resequencing studies, using both unrelated and related individuals.  SPH statistical geneticists collaborate with other investigators at SPH and around the world on studies of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, psychiatric disease, and health-related behaviors (e.g. smoking, diet).  They have close ties to the Program in Quantitative Genomics and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics group at SPH.  Training encompasses basic statistics; Mendelian and population genetics; design and analysis of genetic association studies; gene expression and epigenetic markers; and gene-environment interaction.

Students holding a degree in mathematics, computer science, statistics or a related field and an interest in genetics are invited to apply to our Doctoral or Master’s degree programs.  Doctoral students can apply to either the Department of Epidemiology (through the PhD in Population Health Sciences [area of interest: Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics]) or to Department of Biostatistics.  Some admission criteria, such as quality of fit with each department or quality of fit with specific mentors in each department, may vary across departments.  In addition, the availability of funding may also vary across departments.

Postdoctoral training positions are also available, with support coming from individual Principal Investigators or appropriate training grants.  Prospective students or postdoctoral fellows with an interest in statistical genetics at SPH may contact Alkes Price.