PhD Studentship in The effect of COVID-19 on lower urinary tract function

An opportunity to apply for a funded, full-time PhD in the College of Health, Science and Society, UWE Bristol.  The studentship will focus on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS; comprising urinary urgency, frequency and nocturia) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In particular, their trajectory and impact will be measured, through identifying symptomatic and biomarker associations.

The studentship is available from 01 October 2023 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which will be £18,622 (2023/24) per annum. In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years, including project costs, and overseas applicants are invited to apply.

The closing date for applications is 07 July 2023. 

About the Studentship

The studentship is based within the Centre for Health and Clinical Research, UWE Bristol, which hosts a broad programme of research to benefit the health and wellbeing of individuals and society: https://bit.ly/2Tnpx87 

The PhD is part of a research programme led by Professor of Continence Care, Dr Nikki Cotterill (https://bit.ly/2TkONvB), with the aim to improve continence care and quality of life for individuals with bladder and bowel symptoms. This PhD will also be supervised by Dr Bahareh Vahabi who has extensive experience in biological research associated with LUT Dysfunction.

A maximum of one day per week working in a clinical role is permitted to maintain professional skills if desired.

About the project

COVID-19 continues to infect thousands of people each day.  Respiratory distress is the most significant short-term consequence of SARS-CoV-2, leading to hospital admission.  However, it is increasingly recognised that there are non-respiratory manifestations that severely damage the function of other organs, such as liver, kidney, gut and heart. Thus, the Long-COVID-19 phenotype has emerged as a real entity, with a significant impact on patients.

Emerging evidence suggests there is an increased risk of lower urinary tract dysfunction associated with COVID-19 infection.  An initial study being conducted at North Bristol NHS Trust,  CoV-LUTS,  is assessing LUTS associated with COVID-19.  Further prospective studies are required to: i) understand the short and long-term effects of COVID-19 on LUTS; ii) investigate implications of COVID-19 infection to inform care provision; iii) accurately describe the symptom complex associated with COVID-19; and iv) assess impact of Long- COVID-19 on patient’s quality of life.

Objectives and methodology

The objective is to advance our understanding of LUTS associated with COVID-19 infection to provide an essential background for future investigative studies into its viral biology, through three components:

1. Review existing literature to establish the developing evidence base in this novel area.
2. Self-report surveys to:
3. extend follow-up of the existing cohort of participants in the CoV-LUTS study;
4. recruit a larger sample of prospective participants to investigate further symptomatic associations.
5. Conduct laboratory investigations to:
6. a) identify urinary inflammatory markers associated with LUTS and COVID-19 infection
7. b) characterise urothelial cell markers associated with COVID-19 infection 

Further Information

It is expected that interviews will take place in the week commencing 24/07/23. If you have not heard from us by 17/07/23, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.

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