PhD Studentship: Royal Navy Musculoskeletal Injury Mitigation Programme: epidemiology of injury

Project Title:  Royal Navy Musculoskeletal Injury Mitigation Programme: epidemiology of injury

Lead Institute / Faculty: Medicine

Main Supervisor: Professor Elaine Dennison

Other members of the supervisory team: Dr Leo Westbury

Duration of the award: Three years

Start date:  01/09/2023

Project description:

The Royal Navy Musculoskeletal Injury Mitigation Programme (RN MMP), led by the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM), aims to support Sailor and Royal Marines’ musculoskeletal health. It is supporting six PhD programmes within the RN MMP Academic Partner University Consortium – comprising the Universities of Southampton, Exeter and Bath.

This PhD studentship, sited at the University of Southampton at the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, will be comprised of four key elements, using pre-existing datasets. The student will undertake work in each of these following areas:

1. Harmonisation of existing datasets to consider what data are currently available regarding MSKI risk factors across biomechanical, movement control and health or wellbeing domains. What common exposure/ intervention/ outcome measures have been measured in all existing datasets and what gaps exist? Identify differences in definitions, methodical approach and outcome measures.
2. Analysis to consider the interaction of biomechanical, movement control and health/ wellbeing factors in the determination of MSKI risk. Can we identify individuals at greatest risk for musculoskeletal injury?
3. An exploration of the feasibility of a lifecourse approach to MSKI injury – do we see different patterns of injury at different ages, and can we chart long term consequence of that injury for naval recruits who remain in military service?
4. A health economic analysis that considers the consequences of MSKI and assigns a cost to complex interventions. This project is one of 6 funded studentships that considers different aspects of MSKI. It pulls together what we already know and will help develop new ways of data collection to improve MSK health in naval personnel in the future. The project allows a candidate to develop an understanding of how best to apply epidemiological and statistical knowledge and experience in a real world setting for meaningful benefit

The successful candidate is likely to have the following qualifications:

• A 1^st or 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters.

Experience of handling large data sets including statistical experience with large data sets. Understanding of epidemiological principles.

Funding information:
Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK applicants.  This PhD studentship is fully funded for three years.

This is a fully funded PhD studentship at UKRI rates available to UK nationals only and the amount of stipend £18,154.00 including Research Training Support Grant plus fees at UK residency rate only.

Administrative contact and how to apply:

Please complete the University's online application form, which you can find at

https://student-selfservice.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=7209&majr=7209&term=202324

You should enter Professor Elaine Dennison as your proposed supervisor. To support your application provide an academic CV (including contact details of two referees), official academic transcripts and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date).

Informal enquiries relating to the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Professor Elaine Dennison (emd@mrc.soton.ac.uk).

Closing date: 21/04/2023

Interview date: 28/04/2023

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