Apply and key information
This project is funded by:
- MRC
- DSM Nutritional Products
Summary
High blood pressure (BP) is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), while effective treatment of this condition may reduce CVD events. Currently BP in children is not routinely measured but studies have shown that elevated BP in childhood could have adverse effect on neurodevelopment and could pose a risk for high BP and CVD in later life. The cause of high BP in children is generally unknown; however, it is considered that the interplay between genetic factors and nutrition has an important role. This PhD project is going to investigate the impact of different genetic factors (previously linked with BP in adults), and their interactions with various nutrients on BP and neurodevelopment in childhood. The project will follow-up mother-child pairs from a previous large longitudinal study of pregnant women and their children. Child’s BP, genetic make-up and neurodevelopment will be assessed when the child is at the age of 6 years. The results of the study would be of importance for the clinical practice and for prevention of high BP in childhood.
The PhD project will involve assisting the existing team in the running of the OptiPREG Offspring study (follow-up visits of mother-child pairs, BP measurements, laboratory analysis, cognitive assessment and data management).
Important Information
Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly.
Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.
AccessNI clearance required
Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.
Essential criteria
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.
We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
- Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
- A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
Desirable Criteria
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
- First Class Honours (1st) Degree
- Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
- Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
- Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
- Work experience relevant to the proposed project
- Publications record appropriate to career stage
- Experience of presentation of research findings
Funding and eligibility
This project is funded by:
- MRC
- DSM Nutritional Products
The University offers the following levels of support:
Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
- Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
- Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
- Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)
These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.
Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.
Department for the Economy (DFE)
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).
This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
- Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
- Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
- Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
- Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Recommended reading
The Doctoral College at Ulster University
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