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PhD Studentship: Identifying progression and patterns of symptoms in autoimmune rheumatic disease flares

University of East Anglia - Norwich Medical School

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Norwich
Funding for: UK Students
Funding amount: £20,780
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 13th October 2025
Closes: 6th December 2025
Reference: SLOANM_U25GSTCMED

Primary supervisor - Dr Melanie Sloan

Project: Flares of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, e.g. lupus, can be life and organ-threatening and significantly reduce quality of life. Identification of warning signs (“prodromes”) of impending flares, including type and progression of symptoms in flares, could help in providing earlier recognition. Previous related observational research has identified common prodromal symptoms such as nightmares, and indicated that flare symptoms are often similar in each person in each flare, but different between individuals. 

Project aims are: (1) undertake a literature review on flares and prodromal symptoms; (2) Complete analysis of survey data from >3000 patients to investigate patterns and progressions of flare symptoms; (3) Co-design (with patients and clinicians) and undertake a prospective mixed methods study investigating flare symptoms as they occur, using physiological markers (e.g. heart rate and sleep from wearables) objective tests (e.g. cognitive tests) and patient reported measures. Professors Guy Leschziner (neurology) and David D’Cruz (rheumatology) will be clinician advisors on this project. The student will also help co-ordinate the international INSPIRE (Investigating Neuropsychiatric Symptom Prevalence and Impact in Rheumatology patient Experiences) research project and work closely with other researchers, clinicians and patients, with scope to adapt some elements of the PhD to their interests. There will also be opportunities to join related project teams in long-term condiWe are seeking a motivated and compassionate student with a good first degree in a numerate or health related discipline (at least 2:1) and preferably a research or health based Masters, to join our multi-disciplinary research team.  tions. The PhD is funded through The Lupus Trust. 

Training programme: Evidence synthesis, qualitative methods and analysis, mixed methods, statistical analysis potentially including meta-analysis, intensive longitudinal methods, writing for publication, thesis preparation, dissemination, and personal and professional development. 

Outputs: Thesis, multiple publications, presentations, evidence to inform practice, potential future evaluation study. 

Entry requirements

Start date

1 February 2026

Mode of study

Full-time

Additional Funding Information

This project is fully funded for three years by The Lupus Trust, Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity. Funding includes tuition fees at Home-fee rate, an annual stipend for maintenance starting at £20,780 in the academic year 2025/26, and £1,000 per annum to support research training.  

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