Implementation of optimisation trials of complex health and social care interventions

One fully funded full- or part-time PhD scholarship is available in the Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research in the School of Medicine in 2024/25. This scholarship is open to UK applicants and covers fees plus maintenance.

This fully funded PhD provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in complex intervention clinical trials methodology within the Leeds Methodological Research, Education and Innovation (M-REI) Division at the Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research. The Institute is an international leader in the field of clinical trials and one of the few UK Clinical Trials Units to have dedicated infrastructure for trials methodology research. This opportunity is linked to a prestigious National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Advanced Fellowship. Its aim is to develop methods for optimising complex health and social care interventions in randomised optimisation trials. This PhD will focus on the implementation of novel statistical designs, focusing on either the i) definition and operationalisation of intervention components, ii) methods of randomisation, or iii) consent and research ethics approval considerations.

We invite applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2024/25 for the School of Medicine Scholarship.

The award is open to full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree at the School of Medicine.

For full project details please see the University website.

How to Apply

To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application. 

• a full academic CV
• degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• Evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable)

To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
• For source of funding please state you are applying for an NIHR PhD scholarship

Eligibility

You should hold a first-degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class honours degree in any subject, or suitable postgraduate degree in a mathematics, statistics or health-related subject, psychology, or social science. You will be enthusiastic, organised and motivated with experience in, or knowledge of health or social care services and research. Importantly, you will be committed to fully engaging with a wider multi-disciplinary team to conduct high-quality research that is of value to the NHS.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements. The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

Other Conditions:

• Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.
• Awards must be taken up by 1st January 2025.
• Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Rebecca Walwyn to discuss their interest in this studentship by emailing R.E.A.Walwyn@leeds.ac.uk before the closing date