PhD Studentship in Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University: Understanding People’s Experiences of Employment after a Solid-Organ Transplantation

Award summary

100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £18,622

Overview

This PhD will explore the employment experiences of people who have received a solid-organ transplantation. Organ transplantation is an established treatment option for a number of conditions and people can live many years after their operation, but yet little is known about their experiences of employment whilst waiting for their transplant or afterwards.

The aim of this study is to explore critically the individual, organisational and social facilitators and barriers to employment after organ transplantation and to identify ways to support those seeking to work after transplantation.  Initial work will involve conducting an evidence synthesis of existing literature, You will then undertake qualitative individual interviews with people who have received a solid-organ; professionals and charities involved in supporting people after transplantation; and, employers. The study will involve you recruiting through NHS and charities and will require you to apply for appropriate ethical approvals. For your analysis you will use established qualitative techniques and appropriate software to manage the analysis process.

You will be part of the NIHR Blood and Transplant Unit https://odt.btru.nihr.ac.uk/ and specifically embedded within a theme of work concerned with improving patient outcomes and experiences and addressing inequalities. You will become part of a cohort of trainees within the BTRU with opportunities for presenting your work and career development training opportunities.

Number of awards

One

Start date

22.4.2024

Award duration

Three years

Application closing date

23.2.2024

Sponsor

NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation between Cambridge and  Newcastle University

Name of supervisor/s

Professor Catherine Exley, Population Health Sciences Institute https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/catherineexley.html

Professor Andrew Fisher, Translational and Clinical Research Institute

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/ajfisher.html

Eligibility Criteria

You must have a minimum of 2:1 honours degree in an appropriate subject including: sociology, psychology, social sciences, health sciences. A Masters level qualification and knowledge of transplantation would be advantageous.

This studentship is only available to applicants with a Home fee status (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria)

How to apply

For details on how to apply, please see https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-funding/search-funding/?code=ph043

Contact Details

Professor Catherine Exley, Population Health Sciences Institute https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/catherineexley.html