2014 PhD Studentships in Infectious Disease Modelling in UK

Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Public Health England (PHE) awards up to two PhD studentships for international students to resume their studies in 2014. 
The projects cover research in infectious disease modelling on topics that are relevant to public health in England.  Studentships will be for three years.
Programme Details

•  Mathematical modelling is increasingly used to understand the epidemiology of infections and predict the impact of control programmes against infections, including influenza, tuberculosis, HIV and malaria.
• It has also been greatly used in the UK to predict the impact of vaccination on vaccine-preventable infections, including human papilloma virus (HPV), control of healthcare associated infections (HCAI), sexually transmitted infections, HIV and tuberculosis.
•  The need for competent mathematical modellers is likely to grow in the future.
• This PhD training programme is intended to develop research skills in infectious disease modelling and provide experience in working with infectious disease surveillance data and epidemiologists on topics that are of UK national importance.  It will address UK priority areas such as pneumococcal disease, HCAI, influenza, RSV and tuberculosis.
•  PhD supervisors include modellers and epidemiologists at both LSHTM and Public Health England and provide a unique opportunity to participate in work at a national infectious disease surveillance centre.
• Students will be mentored by their supervisors and an Advisory Committee consisting of at least two other academics who can be from outside the School and Public Health England.  The Advisory Committee is particularly useful for interdisciplinary work or where the student undertakes a significant part of their research away from the School.

Worth of award

•  The award includes fees and a tax-free stipend of at least £15,726 for three years (2014/15 rate to be confirmed).
• The award is only available to those who are eligible for Home/EU fees.

Eligibility

• Candidates should possess a master’s degree in mathematics, science or other discipline with a strong analytical component, which is relevant to mathematical modelling of infectious diseases.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and professional experience equivalent to a master’s degree will also be considered.
• Experience of computer programming is desirable.
• Applications for part-time study may be accepted depending on the chosen project.

How to Apply

• Applicants may apply for up to two projects which must include a two-page research proposal for each one.
  • Complete an online application.  Which must include the following documents:
  • A curriculum vitae, including details of your academic achievements to date
  • A pro forma cover sheet
  • A two page research proposal* relating your chosen research project(s)
  • Each research proposal should comprise no more than 2 A4 pages (single spaced, Calibri 11 point font) and should identify a specific research question or hypothesis, summarise the relevant background information, describe the importance of the topic, outline an appropriate research methodology by which the question can be addressed, and describe the potential policy implications of the research.
  • Each proposal should contain no more than 5 key references.
  • Candidates are encouraged to contact the supervisor of their choice of project(s) before applying.

Deadline: application closes on April 8, 2014.  Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter at LSHTM.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for this funding.
Click here for details and to apply online.