MRes studentship

Reference

MED1594

Closing Date

Saturday, 31st July 2021

Department

Veterinary Medicine & Science

Project title: Workplace Stressors and Reasonable Adjustments for Autistic Veterinary Surgeons

Principal supervisor: Kirstie Pickles  (School of Veterinary Medicine and Science / SVMS)

Other supervisors: Brad Hill (SVMS), Jasmeet Kaler (SVMS), Jonathan Houdmont (School of Medicine)

Background: SVMS is dedicated to improving the wellbeing of animals and people through world-leading innovative research Research - The University of Nottingham . The research team are active in teaching, researching and promoting mental wellbeing and equality, diversion and inclusion. This 12-month studentship is funded by the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant. 

Project description: Autism spectrum disorder or condition (ASC) affects how individuals communicate and interact with the world. Veterinary surgeons experience high levels of work-related stress and have an increased prevalence of psychological distress compared to other occupational groups. Autistic individuals have an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, and therefore autistic veterinary surgeons may represent a particularly vulnerable cohort. This project will investigate workplace stressors experienced by autistic veterinary professionals with the aim of identifying reasonable workplace adjustments. The study will include a critical incident study with a small group of autistic veterinary professionals followed by a cross-sectional survey of the wider population of autistic veterinary surgeons to assess frequency of exposure to identified work characteristics, evaluate psychological wellbeing, and assess linkages between these. The student will be responsible for day-to-day project management and data collection, contribute to data analysis and report preparation, and prepare an MRes thesis for submission to the University of Nottingham. 

Further information and Application

Applicants should have either

or 

• a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree 

or 

• a 2.2 degree and a Master’s degree in Animal Science, Medical Science, Social Science or similar 

The ideal candidate will have experience of the veterinary or medical sector, an understanding of autism, and experience of mixed methods research (including conducting interviews, constructing surveys, thematic analysis, statistical analysis such as multiple linear regression, scientific writing etc).

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor: [email protected]

Candidates should apply online http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx and include a CV.  When completing the online application form, please select the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, then Master of Research (MRes) and, once submitted, send your application ID number to [email protected] . Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to the Continuing Education Team, (email: [email protected]).

Interview Date: 

July 2021

Start Date: 

1st October 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 

Recruitment will be closed when suitable candidates have been identified.  Early application is strongly encouraged.

Eligibility for Funding

This is a fully funded studentship open to UK nationals.   EU and international applicants are also welcome to apply, however international university tuition fees will apply.  From 1st August 2021, EU and International students will be liable for tuition fees at the international rate and must be able to fund the difference between “Home” and “Overseas” tuition fees themselves.  For Home student eligibility guidelines, please refer to the following: https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UKRI-170321-InternationalEligibilityImplementationGuidance.pdf