PhD Studentship (full time, three years)
Analyzing long-term trends in health and well-being in later life
Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry
The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry is a joint initiative between the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter and the NHS. This is a University of Plymouth appointment.
Reference PCMDGS/0007
Our population is ageing rapidly, and pressure to provide high quality healthcare and ensure good health in later life is increasing. Improving our capacity to predict changes in health and health needs is key to commissioning world-class health and social care.
The aim of this project is to use epidemiological data to identify and explain trends in the health of middle-aged and older people. This will include estimating long-term changes in the incidence and prevalence of specific conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Age-related influences on health will be explored using data collected under two different sampling designs: one part of the project will involve analysing established longitudinal studies, such as the British Household Panel Study and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, which track individuals over time. The second part will involve analysis of repeated cross-sectional studies, such as the Health Survey for England and General Household Survey, which allow identification of trends in population health. Looking at longitudinal data alongside trend data can help us identify whether changes in population health are related to differences between generations (cohort effects) or changes affecting the whole population (period effects).
The project will take place within a small but fast-growing research group which has already established an international reputation for successful collaboration and the production of high-impact research using innovative methods.
The project will be supervised by Dr Iain Lang and Professor David Melzer (Epidemiology & Public Health Group, Peninsula Medical School) and Dr William Henley (School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Plymouth) and will be based in Exeter.
As part of our new developments and our commitment to research excellence, applications are invited from suitably qualified graduates, 2:1 or above, for a PhD studentship. International students must have IELTS [International English Language Testing System] score of 7 and above (or equivalent qualification).
For an application pack, please contact Bernice Wilmshurst, Senior Administrator (Research Degrees) Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry, John Bull Building, Tamar Science Park, Plymouth PL6 8BU or telephone 01752 437471 or email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Iain Lang on 01392 406749 or email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
For more information about the work of the group see http://www.pms.ac.uk/pms/research/epidem.php
Funding Notes:
The stipend will be £12,940 (based on full time). Tuition fees will be paid at the home rate. Candidates from countries outside the European Union will be liable for the difference between 'home student fees' and 'international student fees'.
Preferred Start Date: 1 October 2009
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 8 MAY 2009
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