PhD Studentship: Cognitive Effects of Chronic Pain (MED1509)

Project details: 

This studentship aims to carry out assessments for and analyse data from an observational study of the molecular links between chronic pain, cognitive deficit and measures of function and disability. These data will help the development of specific related cognition and pain biomarkers and identify gaps in our knowledge that need addressing in future clinical studies.

Nottingham is a centre of excellence for Musculoskeletal Theme with NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) status. This studentship will be based in the BRC and the student will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary team focused on furthering our understanding of inflammation, chronic pain, cognition and musculoskeletal function. The student will also work with staff from the Divisions of Rheumatology Orthopaedics and Dermatology and Physiology, the School of Life Sciences and the School of Psychology all three of which are well regarded internationally, produce highly cited work, and encourage continuing professional development and collaborative effort.

This project will give the successful applicant the opportunity to learn skills in: 

This project will involve mixed methods; the successful candidate could come from a variety of backgrounds including but not restricted to psychology, biology and epidemiology.  They should be enthusiastic about the topic, resilient, self-motivated and a team player willing to work hard.

This study is being supported by the newly established Nottingham NIHR BRC and will benefit from collaborations within the BRC and the Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre.

The studentship would start January 2019 A later start date could be agreed for the right candidate. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees at the Home/EU rate and a tax free stipend of £14,777 per annum.  International students are welcome, but they have to self-fund the difference between the Home/EU and international fee.

Applicants must have at a minimum of a UK 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. A relevant Master’s degree and/or relevant clinical or other work experience would be an advantage (not essential).

The University of Nottingham is in the top 1% of global universities and is ranked eighth in the UK on a measure of ‘research power’, with more than 80% of research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The University of Nottingham also offers a world-class research training environment for postgraduate students, including an excellent range of support and services.

Supervisors: Dr Ana Valdes, Dr Tobias Bast, Prof Eamonn Ferguson

Funding: NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre

Project location: NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Academic Rheumatology, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital Campus, University of Nottingham, NG5 1PB.

General information about the Department(s)/Institution(s) can be found at:

School of Medicine: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/medicine/index.aspx

Division of Rheumatology Orthopaedics and Dermatology: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/Medicine/about/ROD/index.aspx 

Arthritis UK Pain Centre: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/paincentre

Informal enquiries can be addressed by email to Dr A Valdes ana.valdes@nottingham.ac.uk

To apply, students should send a CV, cover letter explaining why they would like the opportunity to study for this PhD and include a CV, an academic transcript and the names and addresses of three academic referees to bonnie.millar@nottingham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 03 Dec 2018
Category: Studentships