PhD Studentship: Development of a Core Outcome Set for Implementation Science Research

The School of Social Policy and Society is offering funding for a doctoral studentship to develop a core outcome set for implementation science research.

The successful applicant will be supervised by academics from the Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science (CEIS), University of Birmingham (Dr Ameeta Retzer, Dr Arabella Scantlebury, and Professor Amy Grove).

Dr Retzer is a mixed methods researcher with expertise in outcome methodology, applied health, health inequalities and public health, and research equity. Dr Scantlebury is a leading methodologist with a research portfolio encompassing health, education, policing, and the fire service. Professor Grove is a Psychologist and Professor of Implementation Science.

The CEIS is a multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of methodological innovation and policy and practice change. The successful applicant will be based within the CEIS Policy and Methods group, benefiting from development opportunities through CEIS, research infrastructure, and the University of Birmingham and School of Social Policy and Society postgraduate community.

Implementation science is the study of methods and strategies used to integrate proven, evidence-based practices into regular, real-world use. The studentship will develop a core outcome set to standardise implementation data collected and reported in implementation research in health. This will include, but is not limited to:

• systematic evidence synthesis to assess existing literature describing implementation outcomes;
• engagement with key stakeholders and potential users of evidence-based practice;
• qualitative data collection with implementation scientists, key stakeholders and potential users of evidence-based practice, and the public;
• consensus-generating methods to confirm the final core outcome set;
• considering how the core outcome set can incorporate equity of implementation and address health inequalities.

How to Apply

Applications must be made through the University of Birmingham Postgraduate Application portal. Your scholarship application will not be considered if you do not apply for admission. To apply for admission, please click the above 'Apply' button, selecting PhD in Health Services Management. Once you have applied, please email Dr Ameeta Retzer (a.retzer@bham.ac.uk) with your details and application number.

Your application should include:

• A personal statement / cover letter explaining your suitability and what you would bring to the PhD (2 pages maximum)
• A research protocol (2 page maximum) to address the proposed research question.
• A CV
• Two academic references
• Transcripts (previous qualifications)

Please mention that you are applying for CEIS, Policy and Methods PhD studentship within your application. Full information about applying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham can be found at Apply for an advertised PhD - University of Birmingham.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 2 July and interviews will take place on Thursday 16 July, 2026.

The studentship is offered as a 3-year award (commencing September 2026/January 2027) on a full-time basis, or part-time equivalent.

Funding notes:

Applicants must have a strong first degree (2:1) in a relevant applied health science discipline, including demonstrable experience in applied health and mixed methods research. Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with research methods training (or equivalent professional training) is expected.

The studentship covers:

• Full tuition fees at the Home rate (£5,181 per annum)
• An annual maintenance grant for 3 years of £21,805 per year

International students may apply. The studentship covers international tuition fees (currently £22,880 per year) and a small maintenance grant (£4,163 per year). All remaining living expenses and visa requirements must be funded from other sources.

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