Fully funded PhD Scholarship available in the Wellcome Doctoral Training Centre for Public Health Economics and Decision Science (PHEDS)

We are seeking a bright and enthusiastic person who wants to make a difference to population health and has a background in health sciences, psychology, sociology, politics, mathematics, statistics, economics, systems engineering, business studies or geography.

Chronic disease accounts for over 70% of deaths globally. Many of these are premature and can be prevented by coordinated and well-targeted public health policies and interventions. To achieve this goal, we need better understanding of the complex interplay of influences on health at the societal, environmental and individual levels. Public Health Economics and Decision Science seeks to identify the most effective and cost-effective prevention strategies that should be prioritised by decision-makers.

Generously funded by Wellcome and the University of Sheffield, this four-year cohort-based PhD Programme provides a unique interdisciplinary experience.

It offers doctoral-level research training in public health, economics, statistics and mathematical modelling. From year one, you will have access to senior scientists and public health decision-makers and take a range of taught modules to complement your existing skills. Health and social sciences graduates will develop advanced quantitative analytical skills and those with quantitative degrees will receive training in public health. Rotations through several “research attachments” will provide wide-ranging experiences to help you finalise the topic of the PhD project you will complete during years two to four. You will also work collaboratively, arrange internships and develop networks with external organisations and decision-makers. After completing your PhD, you can apply for further funding to support your career aspirations from the programme’s transition fund.

One studentship is available for students able to join the programme in September 2022. We want to attract the best talent from all walks of life and we particularly encourage applicants from a widening participation background. On this occasion, the studentship is only available to those eligible for Hometuition fees. We encourage applicants from low and middle income counties to apply for 2023 entry when applications open later this year.

Part-time study can be discussed where students have health or social needs that make full-time study difficult.

The studentship provides:

• Home tuition fees for four years
• Annual stipend at Wellcome rates
• A training, research cost and travel fund
• The opportunity to apply for postdoctoral transition funding

Eligibility

You will…

• Be highly motivated to make a significant scientific contribution to tackling the burden of chronic disease through well-evidenced, cost-effective public health strategies
• Be able to demonstrate your enthusiasm to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
• Have completed an undergraduate degree classified at equivalent to 2.1 or above (or non-UK equivalent)
• Have completed either a Master’s degree classified at merit or distinction (or non-UK equivalents) OR have more than one year of formal employment in either a relevant scientific environment or in public health decision making. Current Master’s students without relevant work experience can apply if they have an outstanding academic track record (e.g. a first-class undergraduate degree or a potential distinction on their Master’s degree).
• Have at least one of your degrees in a relevant subject, such as: mathematics, statistics, epidemiology, public health, psychology, nutrition, quantitative sociology, politics, economics, systems engineering, business studies, geography
• Have quantitative maths skills equivalent to A at A-Level