PhD Studentship: NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre - Mental Health and Technology

We are recruiting two PhD candidates to join the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). You will join the vibrant and supportive Mental Health & Technology theme of the NIHR Nottingham BRC and will be based on either University Park or Jubilee Campus at the University of Nottingham. You will also be aligned with MindTech, a health technology research centre in the School of Medicine.

The 3-year PhD studentships are funded by the NIHR Nottingham BRC and will provide an annual stipend to cover living costs (£18,622) and will cover Home University tuition fees for the duration of the project (36 months).  International students are not eligible to apply for these studentships. 

There are 2 PhD studentships available, and successful candidates will choose one of the following projects:

Project 1: Developing an approach for boosting the antidepressant effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) using synchronised transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) – richard.morriss@nottingham.ac.uk

Project 2: Exploration of the role of neural noise in tic generation and the effects of rhythmic median nerve stimulation in reducing neural noise – stephen.jackson@nottingham.ac.uk

Project 3: Digital tools for visualisation of recovery and rehabilitation – michael.craven@nottingham.ac.uk

Project 4: Vibrotactile stimulation (VTS) therapy to support self-management of tics and ADHD in young people: An exploratory investigation and usability study – maddie.groom@nottingham.ac.uk

Project 5: Polypharmacy and adverse outcomes in people prescribed antidepressants in primary care – carol.coupland@nottingham.ac.uk

Project 6: Investigating the safety of opioid and antidepressant co-prescribing in primary care – carol.coupland@nottingham.ac.uk

Project 7: Anticipating the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) therapists – elvira.perez@nottingham.ac.uk

How to apply

To apply for this PhD opportunity, please submit the following documents to Jennifer.ward@nottingham.ac.uk:

• Curriculum Vitae detailing your academic background, research experience and relevant skills.
• Personal statement (maximum 1 page) specifying your choice (maximum of 2 choices but give an order of preference) from the projects listed and why you are interested in pursuing the specific PhD. Please include any relevant research experience, and a brief outline of ideas and issues related to the PhD theme. Please also indicate how you see this PhD would enable your career and what your future career aspirations are. Include the details (email addresses) of two referees that we can contact. One of the references must be academic.

Applications are invited from potential and recent UK graduates. Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.

Essential: The successful candidate will be highly motivated with strong written and verbal communication skills and some experience with research including qualitative and quantitative methods.

Desirable: Experience in mental health research. Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. MSc in a relevant field.

Further details about the individual projects may be obtained from the supervisors, whose email addresses are provided in the project list above, and from the ‘Project Summaries’ document. We encourage any applicant to make contact with the lead supervisor about the PhD before submission.

Informal enquiries can be directed to jennifer.ward@nottingham.ac.uk

Start Date

1st October 2024

Closing date for applications

Friday 5^th April 2024 - (Interviews will be scheduled for Thursday 25^th April)

Eligibility for Funding

Funding is available only for home students. A Home student has unrestricted rights to enter and remain in the UK and has been resident in the UK for three years prior to the start of a course, but the purpose of residence cannot purely have been full-time education.

Advert information