PhD Studentship: Exploring inequalities in the utilisation of novel systemic anti-cancer therapies using big data

Award summary 

This PhD studentship is part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Patient Safety Research Collaborative (PSRC). The aim of this collaborative is to deliver real and meaningful changes in patient safety for those with Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTCs).  

https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/news/5-3million-investment-for-patient-safety-research/ 

100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend of £19,273. Successful international applicants will be required to fund the difference between home fees and international fees. 

Overview 

The Newcastle NIHR Patient Safety Research Collaborative (PSRC) is a partnership between three universities (Newcastle, Northumbria, and Queen Mary London) and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  A PhD project is available on the topic of “Inequalities in utilisation of novel systemic anti-cancer therapies”. The student will work with “big data” to examine different inequalities (e.g by age, socio-economic position, ethnicity, presence of MLTCs) in utilisation of new anti-cancer drugs. They will then go on to explore reasons – as well as potential implications – for these inequalities using different research approaches. The project spans the PSRC research themes of Polypharmacy and Disadvantaged Communities. 

This studentship provides an unparalleled opportunity for post-graduate training and interdisciplinary working in the field of patient safety. The student will join a vibrant team of researchers and students and benefit from a strong capacity development programme designed to train the patient safety researchers of the future, delivered in collaboration with the Newcastle Health Innovation Partners’ Training Academy. 

Number of awards 

1 Award 

Start date  

September 2024 

Award duration 

3 Years 

Application closing date 

28th May 2024

Sponsor 

NuTH and Newcastle University 

Name of supervisor/s 

Professor Adam Todd  

Professor Linda Sharp 

Other academic or clinical colleagues affiliated with the PSRC may also be involved in supervision.  

Eligibility Criteria 

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject (e.g. health sciences, epidemiology, statistics, psychology, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, allied health). A Masters with strong research training element would be highly advantageous. Experience of statistical analysis of “big data” and/or qualitative data collection and/or analysis would be valuable. 

If your first language is not English, you need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (at least 5.5 in all sub-skills) or equivalent language qualification. 

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How to apply 

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal   

In ‘Course choice’ tab, click ‘Search Course’ put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in ‘Type of Study’, ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2024’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8317F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’.   

Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Pharmacy (PHS) (FT)’, and click ‘Save selection.’   

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘PH049’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project.    

Contact Details 

[email protected]