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

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 conditions. 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

We 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.  

Start date

1 October 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 £21,805 in the academic year 2026/27, and £1,000 per annum to support research training.  

This studentship is open to both Home and International applicants. Please note that this funding covers tuition fees at the UK Home-fee rate only. International applicants are very welcomed but will therefore be responsible for paying the difference between the Home and International fee rates for the duration of the studentship. For current fee rates, please refer to https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/university-information/finance-and-procurement/finance-information-for-students/tuition-fees(opens in a new window). 

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