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Project Title:
Modelling the clinical epidemiology and system-wide costs of burn injury
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Dept/School:
School of Medicine | University of Manchester
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Research Group:
Health Sciences
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Project Supervisor(s):
Prof I Buchan
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Funding Availability:
Directly Funded Project (European Students Only)<javascript:__doPostBack('lbFundingDesc','')>
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Application Deadline:
10 June 2011
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The North West Institute for Bio-Health Informatics (NIBHI) invites applications for a 3-year full-time PhD studentship seeking to develop models for the analysis and improvement of care and prevention in burn injury.

Funding provides full support for tuition fees, associated research costs and an annual tax-free stipend of £13, 590 (aligned with Research Council rates). The project is due to commence in October 2011 and is open to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding.

The aim is to improve the planning of health & social care and preventive services in burn injury. The main objective is to model the clinical epidemiology and long-term costs of burn injury using multiple data sources including: ambulance service; Coroner; burns units; hospital episode statistics; social care; and primary care.

The methodological challenges are both statistical and informatic. Advanced longitudinal statistical modelling is required and will employ a range of biostatistical methods including multi-level regression and latent class analysis. The informatics involves converting the epidemiological and economic insights into 'what if' scenario planning tools for policy makers to explore policy options for defined populations. The gap in the evidence base that is being targeted is the unknown long term consequences of burn injury in both health and social care, and the effects of pre-existing diseases on care outcomes.

The project would suit highly numerate individuals with the ability to apply themselves to complex clinical problems through statistical modelling.

Research will be conducted within NIBHI in collaboration with clinical partners across Greater Manchester NHS. Training will be provided in burns epidemiology, health informatics, and advanced biostatistics. An intermediate level of biostatistics and epidemiology knowledge is required. NIBHI is part of the Health Methodology section of the School of Community Based Medicine, co-located with Biostatistics and Health Economics. The University Hospital of South Manchester provides a leading burns unit and drives national audits of burns care.

Upon completion, progression into post-doctoral research posts in clinical epidemiology, health services research, biostatistics or health informatics would be anticipated.

Applicants should hold a minimum upper-second honours degree (or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics or a health-related science (with a strong quantitative component). A Masters qualification in epidemiology, biostatistics or health economics would be a significant advantage. Aptitude for computational thinking and statistical programming is desirable.

Please direct applications in the following format to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> :

* Academic CV
* Official academic transcripts
* Contact details for two suitable referees
* A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.

Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Professor Iain Buchan at [log in to unmask] Applications are invited up to and including Friday 10 June 2011.

https://www.nibhi.org.uk
Further PhD opportunities within the Faculty can be found on our 'PhD Opportunities' database:
http://www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/studentships/