PhD Studentship in the UCL Institute of Global Health

Job title:

PhD Studentship in the UCL Institute of Global Health

Company

University College London

Job description

About usA 3-year PhD Studentship in Medical Statistics or Epidemiology funded by Moderna is available within the Institute for Global Health. The studentship will commence from 1st October 2025, under the supervision of Dr Heather Bailey, Dr Charlotte Jackson, Professor Ali Judd at UCL, with support also from Dr Daniel Blázquez Gamero, Professor Hermione Lyall, and Professor Vana Papaevangelou within the congenital CMV Network (https://ccmvnet.org/).Project TitleLong term consequences of congenital cytomegalovirus infection: findings from the cCMVnet registryBackground / Review of the Key LiteratureAround 1 in 200 children are thought to be born with CMV infection in Europe, with around 1 in 1000 likely to have lifelong disability caused by the infection. The most common problem is hearing loss, but this may not be apparent at birth. There are important gaps in our understanding of the consequences of congenital CMV (cCMV) for child health, particularly beyond the first few years of life and among children who do not have symptoms at birth. Policies and practice around antenatal and newborn CMV screening differ and are changing in response to evidence around antenatal treatment, with implications for the population of children diagnosed with cCMV.Hypothesis / AimsTo investigate antenatal and newborn CMV screening policy and practice in Europe, and the epidemiology and long-term consequences of cCMV for child health.6-12 Month Plan (e.g., experimental approaches, data collection, preliminary analyses):This work is a collaboration between UCL and cCMVnet, an international network for clinically oriented research on cCMV. cCMVnet coordinates the European Registry of Children with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection (cCMVnet registry), based in the Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid which including sites in 15 countries. The registry collects prospective, pseudonymised data on children born since 2011 and diagnosed with cCMV, including information on clinical characteristics, treatment, and long term effects.The PhD candidate will analyse data from the cCMVnet registry to explore the epidemiology and long-term consequences of cCMV, with particular emphasis on cCMV diagnosis following primary vs non-primary maternal CMV infection; outcomes among children with asymptomatic or mild cCMV disease; and outcomes at age 4 years and above. They will also develop and implement clinical surveys within cCMVnet to investigate antenatal and newborn CMV screening and testing policies and practice in Europe.The student will work closely with the coordinating centre for the cCMVnet registry in Madrid, undertaking short visit(s) as needed, and will be supported to undertake community engagement activities throughout.Ethics ApprovalSites participating in cCMVnet registry have local or national ethics approval already in place. The student will be supported to apply for UCL ethics approval in addition in year 1.Research and Policy outputsThe student will be supported to present their work at academic conferences, publish their findings in peer reviewed journals, and share findings with clinical networks (e.g. through the cCMVnet seminar series) and with policy and community stakeholders.ReferencesLeruez-Ville et al. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100892
Smyrli A et al. DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2555
Villaverde S et al. DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004583About the roleEnvironment:The student will work within the Institute of Global Health. The UCL Institute for Global Health (IGH) is at the heart of UCL’s Grand Challenge of Global Health. The Institute’s vision is for a world where international policy on global health is informed by world-class research. IGH aims to support the development of robust solutions to aspects of the world’s major global health challenges through scholarly outputs, education, public engagement, translational research, and ultimately by influencing public policy and professional practice.This Studentship presents a unique opportunity to conduct supervised research at and be a part of the research community, and receive training in epidemiological research and applied statistics in a supportive environment, focusing on important questions with real-world applicability. All postgraduate research students at UCL undertake transferable skills training (at least 10 days of skills training each year) through the UCL Doctoral Skills Development Programme or external courses, including for example courses on research design and statistics, ethical and legal issues, presentation skills, thesis production and career planning.About youApplicants should have, or expect to receive an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in medical statistics, epidemiology, or a related subject, or equivalent work experience, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. They should have knowledge and/or interest in infectious diseases and/or maternal and child healthFor UCL English language requirements, see: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/english-language-requirements (for this PhD, the level of ‘good’ applies).What we offerEligibilityThis studentship provides a starting stipend of £27,190 per annum and additionally covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate.Non-UK students can apply but if they are not eligible for UK/Home fees status, will have to personally fund the difference between the UK (Home) rate and the Overseas rate.NB: You will be asked about your likely fee status at the interview so we would advise you to contact the for advice, should you be unsure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for Home fee status. EU nationals should see this for information about eligibility for Home fees. See also to the (England: HE fee status).How to ApplyPlease do not click the ‘Apply Now’ button next to the advert.Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Dr Heather Bailey ([email protected])To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a 1-sided A4 cover letter to Dr Heather Bailey ([email protected].)Closing deadline for applications: 16 July 2025Interview date: week commencing 28 July 2025Applications that are submitted without following the correct application process will not be considered.The successful applicant will then be required to apply to and register on the to take up the studentship.Anticipated start date: 1st October 2025 to be confirmed subject to successful graduate application following interview.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

Expected salary

£27190 per year

Location

North West London

Job date

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 00:15:47 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (jobs-near-me.eu) you saw this job posting.