Studentships and funding
Charity, research council and university, and overseas research student scholarships are the main source of funding for studentships within the group.
The following projects are currently available. Please note that students (especially self-funding applicants) are encouraged to contact principal investigators directly to discuss future possibilities.
Learning more from complex psychological and social interventions in mental health
This 3-year fully-funded PhD project aims to use statistical approaches to investigate the factors important in predicting individuals susceptible to mental health problems, and whether or not a specific psychological intervention can reduce these problems.
The study is due to commence October 2010 and will attract full fee support and an annual stipend of £15,590 (rising by approximately 2% per annum). Funding is limited to UK/EU* nationals only due to ESRC eligibility requirements. The study provides an ideal opportunity to experience research spanning the health and social sciences.
The project will explore patterns of causal links between intermediate and final outcomes in randomised trials of complex interventions, using the EDIE 2 trial as an exemplar (Early Detection and Intervention Evaluation 2). EDIE 2 is an MRC-funded trial of cognitive behavioural therapy involving 288 participants which aims to prevent or delay the onset of full-blown psychosis in adolescents known to be suffering distressing prodromal symptoms. Some of the most pressing research questions include:
- Do appraisals of psychotic experiences and beliefs about self and others mediate the response to treatment in the prevention of psychosis?
- Does drug use mediate the response to treatment?
- What is the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and social factors over time?
In addition, the study will involve the development, evaluation and dissemination of the methodological techniques required to allow safe and robust answers to these treatment-effect questions.
This project would ideally suit a candidate with a strong interest in applying complex quantitative methods to psycho-social problems. The research would be conducted jointly between the Health Sciences Research Group and School of Psychological Sciences. The successful candidate would receive extensive training in biostatistical methods such as causal inference, explanatory trial design and equation modelling.
Upon completion, progression into post-doctoral research posts in health services research, biostatistics, health informatics or epidemiology would be anticipated.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a minimum upper-second honours degree (or equivalent) in a health-sciences related subject involving a substantial quantitative component. They must also hold a Masters degree in a similar area.
Please direct applications in the following format to the project lead, Professor Graham Dunn (graham.dunn@manchester.ac.uk):
- A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date.
- Contact details for two academic or professional referees.
- A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.
Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Professor Dunn at the address above. Applications are invited up to and including Friday 2 July 2010.
- Health Sciences Research Group
- EDIE 2
OurRef: DunnESRCMRC
Further information available from http://www.findaphd.com/search/showproject.asp?projectid=28792
Funding Notes
* Applicants must be UK/EU nationals as well as permanent residents of the UK since 1 September 2007.
Further PhD project opportunities within the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences can be found at: PhD Opportunities