PhD Studentship: UK Validation of the iTICQ (Impact of Tinnitus in Children Questionnaire), A New Clinical Questionnaire Measure of Tinnitus in Children

Supervisor 1: Dr Kathryn Fackrell kathryn.fackrell@nottingham.ac,uk

Supervisor 2: Dr Derek Hoare derek.hoare@nottingham.ac.uk

Location: NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Ropewalk House, Nottingham.

Funding status: This studentship is funded by the NIHR (National Institute of Health and Care Research) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre. The studentship will cover home University rates which includes a stipend of £18,622 per annum and tuition fees. UK/Home students only. 

Studentship start date:  TBC. Duration is 36 months full time.

Closing date:  19^th April 2024

Project title: 

UK validation of the iTICQ (Impact of Tinnitus in Children Questionnaire), a new clinical questionnaire measure of tinnitus in children

Project description:

Tinnitus (commonly described as ringing in the ears) is a condition where sound is heard in the ears or head without any external sound source, i.e., a subjective phenomenon. It is thought to affect approximately 5% of children in the UK. Tinnitus can negatively impact physical, cognitive, and emotional health, and disrupt daily life for these children. Our lab recently developed the 36-item ‘Impact of Tinnitus in Children Questionnaire’ (iTICQ). This is the first clinical questionnaire to be developed to measure the overall impact of tinnitus on children. The next important step for this questionnaire is to evaluate its psychometric properties to ensure it provides a reliable measure of individual differences in tinnitus impact, and that it is responsive to changes in tinnitus impact over time or after treatment.  

The aim of the PhD project is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the iTICQ to measure the impact of tinnitus in children and changes in tinnitus impact. This project will require large scale data collection across multiple settings and platforms, and interrogation of the data using a range of advanced statistical techniques to evaluate the psychometric properties of the iTICQ. 

You should have or expect to obtain a first class or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent), or an MSc/MA, in psychology, audiology or other relevant scientific discipline. An interest in statistics and psychometrics, and knowledge of software will be an advantage, although full training will be given. You will have excellent communication and team-working skills, be self-driven and highly motivated. You should also be eligible to apply for relevant research clearances that will be required including a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The successful applicant will join a large and vibrant research department and benefit from strong supervisory and peer support, as well as structured training and development.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Kathryn Fackrell

Kathryn.Fackrell@nottingham.ac.uk 

How to apply:

Please email MS-HS-BRCadmin@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk with the following documents and put “Dr Kathryn Fackrell advertised NIHR Nottingham BRC PhD studentship” in the title. 

•     A maximum of a 2-page C.V. 
•     Degree certificate and transcript (if already graduated) or a recent transcript.
•     800 words personal statement (maximum but excludes references) about why you are interested in doing this PhD, how the ideas outlined align with your interests and experiences and any specific ideas you have for research projects you have in this area.
•     Either two references (in a non-editable format, on headed paper and signed by the referee) or the details of two referees that we can contact. One of the references must be academic.

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