Application Deadline: September 8, 2024
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Brunel University London are inviting applications for a PhD studentship with full funding and a training budget to co-design and undertake feasibility and acceptability testing of a very brief behavioural change intervention to increase referral and uptake rates for pulmonary rehabilitation amongst people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This studentship will be based in the Department of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Life Sciences at Brunel University London and funded by the NIHR as part of Dr Claire Nolan’s Advanced Fellowship and Brunel University London. It will offer a basic salary in line with the UKRI stipend of £20,662, Home tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months and a training budget of £2,951 to develop skills required to undertake the project. The preferred start date is 2 January 2025.
The PhD project will involve intervention co-design and investigation of the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a full-scale cluster-randomised controlled trial of a very brief behaviour change approach, for healthcare professionals to assist conversations on pulmonary rehabilitation with people with COPD. The doctoral researcher will undertake both qualitative and quantitative research, including focus groups, co-design workshops, and mixed-method feasibility cohort study. With the support of Dr Claire Nolan, they will lead on patient and public involvement engagement activities and be a member of the study’s independent advisory group and trial steering committee.
Eligibility
- An undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in a health science subject, behavioural science or psychology
- A Master’s qualification in an area relevant to the proposed project
- Experience working in the NHS or healthcare environment
- Undertaking research with people living with chronic respiratory disease would be desirable.
- Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.0 in any section)
Application Details
- An up-to-date CV
- A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement stating why the applicant is a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills)
- One example of academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from an undergraduate or a Masters dissertation)
- A summary of teaching experience or the teaching activities you feel you could support
- Names and contact details for two academic referees
- A copy of highest degree certificate and transcript
- A copy of English language qualification, where applicable
The complete application should be sent to ch**************@br****.uk .
Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview. Applicants chosen for interview will be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions. Interviews will follow shortly after the application deadline.
For further information about how to apply, contact the College of Health and Life Sciences Postgraduate Research Student Office on ch**************@br****.uk .
