One studentship is offered Imperial College London for 2019-20 through the Medical Research Foundation (MRF) PhD Training Programme in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research.
This studentship is available for an excellent candidate interested in researching the problem of AMR in a cross-disciplinary manner.
This 3.5-year interdisciplinary studentship covers:
• the cost of fees (at the Home/EU fee rate)
• a tax-free stipend (at the MRC stipend ‘plus’ rate – GBP 17,000.00 in Year 1 increasing to GBP 18,500.00 in Year 4, with London weighting)
• funding for research costs,
• an interdisciplinary 3-month research project/placement allowance, and
• an annual travel allowance.
Project description
Recent studies have found that vaccinating children against influenza was associated with a reduction in antibiotic use. However, the subsequent possible impact on antibiotic resistance has not been quantified. Decisions on whether to introduce new or extent current vaccination programs are heavily influenced by cost-effectiveness models that completely ignore the potential impact of vaccinations on antibiotic use and AMR. This PhD will focus on developing methodologies and models that better incorporate the true costs and consequences of viral RTIs, including the costs associated with unnecessary antibiotic use and increased AMR. These models will be used to inform policy decisions in this high-priority area.
This project will combine data analysis for epidemiological insight and transmission dynamic models incorporating economic principles. It creates a valuable opportunity to work in both academic and public health/policy environments and learn a unique skill set in an area where there is a shortage of health economists with mathematical and statistical modelling skills.
Supervisors: Dr. Ceire Costelloe, Senior Lecturer in Statistics, Imperial College London, Dr. Julie Robotham, Modelling and Economics Lead, Public Health England, Dr. Koen Pouwels, Mathematical Modeller / Health Economist, University of Oxford
MRF National PhD Training Programme in AMR Research
The National Training Programme, funded for the Medical Research Foundation, has been set up to train new researchers to explore ways to tackle AMR, one of the greatest emerging threats to human health. The strategic objectives of this National PhD Training Programme in AMR are to develop a strong and active network of new researchers for the UK with multidisciplinary skills who will be able to develop, undertake and, potentially, lead AMR research which crosses the traditional boundaries between research disciplines and sectors.
Further information can be found on the MRF National PhD Training Programme in AMR Research website. https://www.medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk/news/news-entry-2
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for this funding applicants must meet both the entry requirement and fee status requirement set out below.
Entry requirement: Applicants must meet the Imperial College London’s research degree entry requirements. Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least a 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject, and should have training and experience in statistical or epidemiological methods. Please note that these are the Imperial College London’s minimum entry requirements for a PhD, and provide a baseline only for competitive studentship funding. Please read additional guidance on the Imperial College London’s PhD Programme page.
Fee status requirement: Applicants must be assessed to have Home/EU fee status. Fee status is determined by UK government regulation. Details of this can be found on the UKCISA website. To qualify for Home/EU fee status, an applicant must be a UK or EU citizen who has maintained ordinary residence in the UK or EU continuously for 3 years prior to 1 September 2019. Please see the Imperial College London’s Fee Assessment Policy for further details.
How to Apply
Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Ceire Costelloe ([log in to unmask]) for further information and an informal discussion about the project prior to submitting a formal application.
As part of the applications, applicants will be expected to submit a research proposal. The research proposal should use the project description provided and expand upon it. Please send CV, research proposal and covering letter to [log in to unmask]
The deadline for applications is midnight GMT on Sunday 31 July 2019. Applicants short-listed for this funding will be interviewed by an academic panel from the consortium at Imperial College London. Interviews will be held at Imperial College London.

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