PhD Studentship on Inclusion of under-served groups in trials

The Department of Health Sciences, University of York, invite applications for a fully funded full-time 3-year PhD studentship starting in September/October 2024. The project focuses on trials and exploring inclusion of underserved regions and communities with major health needs, which includes vulnerable and hard to reach groups who are historically underserved by research activity. The successful candidate will be part of the Trials and Statistics Research Group which includes York Trials Unit and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Support Service Hub at the University of York.

Project details

Are you interested in underserved regions and communities with major health need?
Do you want to undertake a Doctoral training programme working on maximising inclusion?
Do you want to be part of one of the world leading UKCRC-registered trials units?
Do you want to use a quantitative lens to explore inclusion in trials?
Do you want to part of a vibrant, diverse, interdisciplinary community of researchers and support methodological innovation?
Do you want to contribute to inclusive research with supervision from leading researchers?

Supervisors: Professors Catherine Hewitt and Catriona McDaid (University of York).

In response to the substantial body of evidence that those recruited into research are not always representative of the population for whom the research is most relevant, there is increasing recognition of the imperative to include under-served communities. In this context under-served communities have been described as groups that are ‘less well represented in research than would be desirable from population prevalence and healthcare burden’. More inclusive research, addressing equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI), supports generalisability of results, and adoption into practice. The UK NIHR and other health and social care research funders want to ensure that the research they fund meets the needs of the whole population for which it is relevant. The NIHR-INCLUDE project roadmap shows potential points in a trial’s lifecycle where considerations and decisions about inclusion of under-served populations may most usefully be made.

The successful applicant will strengthen our programme of work on innovative approaches to undertaking research with underserved groups and share best practice amongst the academic community. There is a strong fit with the University that exists for the public good and direct alignment with the underlying principles of Inclusion and Collaboration.

This PhD will suit candidates with quantitative skills and interest in inclusive research in trials.

You will hold a strong first degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant subject with demonstrable quantitative training. Possession of a master’s degree with quantitative components is desirable.

You will be encouraged to undertake training and this will be interwoven with the first year of the Doctoral programme, giving you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills. You will access the masters-level learning opportunities in the Department of Health Sciences and be able to undertake training offered on the Masters in Public Health and Masters in Health Research programmes.

Funding

The scholarship is open to UK citizens on a full-time basis. The 3-year studentship provides a tax-free stipend per annum for UK citizens in line with UKRI standard rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25), plus annual tuition fees at the UK rate, and £3,000 for research project expenses. Prospective students from elsewhere may also apply, though would be expected to provide evidence of the ability to fund the difference in tuition fees applicable to EU and international (non-EU) students. See https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/fees/ for further information.

Essential and desirable requirements

Applicants will need to hold a strong first degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant subject with demonstrable quantitative training. Possession of a master’s degree with quantitative components is desirable.

Please submit a short research proposal (max 500 words) outlining how you would approach developing a research proposal in the area outlined above. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Professors Catherine Hewitt or Catriona McDaid to discuss the project before applying.

For students whose first language is not English, there is a minimum requirement of an IELTS score of at least 6.5 in each component of the test and an overall score of at least 7.

Process for Application

Applications should be received no later than 5th July 2024 16:00h. Applications will not be considered for the studentships after this date.

Applications should be made using the Department of Health Sciences on-line application process which can be accessed using the link below.

http://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPHSCSHSC3

When completing the electronic form, applicants will need to state that they are applying for the advertised studentship and include ref: InclusiveTrials2024 under the ‘How studies will be funded’ section, in order to be considered for the scholarship.

Shortlisting: Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and shortlisted applicants will be notified promptly.

Start date: September/October 2024

Interviews

Individuals with the strongest academic record, experience, and research proposal ideas will be shortlisted and invited to interview in July 2024. Interviews will be conducted face-to-face or via Zoom or similar communication tools.

Informal enquiries

For informal enquiries contact Professor Catherine Hewitt (catherine.hewitt@york.ac.uk) or Professor Catriona McDaid (catriona.mcdaid@york.ac.uk).

Department of Health Sciences

The Trials and Statistics Research Group includes York Trials Unit (YTU) and the NIHR RSS Hub at the University of York and partners and is based in the Department of Health Sciences. York Trials Unit is a leading UK centre for the design, management and reporting of randomised controlled trials. The NIHR Hub brings together expertise in statistics, data science, randomised controlled trials, qualitative methods, health economics, evidence synthesis, research delivery and patient and public involvement in research across health, public health and social care within the University of York and across the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield. Across YTU and NIHR RSS Hub we address important health and care questions that arise in real world settings. From hospitals and care homes to schools, prisons, and local communities. Together with professionals and members of the public, we design and deliver research that matters to their work and their lives. Our large, multidisciplinary team has the knowledge, skills and facilities required to take research from inception to successful completion. Our methodological research helps us to continually enhance and innovate study designs and delivery.

The Department of Health Sciences includes over 350 academics, teachers, researchers and support staff engaged in delivering research, professional development, education and training. Our aim is excellence in research and teaching, while contributing to improving health and healthcare through the application of our research to policy and practice. Our research is ranked 6th in the UK for research power in the Times Higher Education ranking of the latest REF results with over 92% (REF 2021).

The successful candidate joins a vibrant community of postgraduate students in our Graduate Research School who have the flexibility to tailor their studies to pursue their own research interests. A bespoke training programme is designed in conjunction with the supervisory team to support the development of essential subject-specific and transferable skills for their future careers.