HEDS is part of the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at the University of Sheffield. We undertake research, teaching, training and consultancy on all aspects of health related decision science, with a particular emphasis on health economics, HTA and evidence synthesis.

Monday, 26 October 2020

Seven fully funded PhD scholarships available in the Wellcome Doctoral Training Centre for Public Health Economics and Decision Science (PHEDS)

Seven fully funded PhD scholarships available in the Wellcome Doctoral Training Centre for Public Health Economics and Decision Science (PHEDS)


We are seeking bright and enthusiastic graduates from disciplines including health sciences, epidemiology, psychology, sociology, politics, mathematics, statistics, economics, systems engineering, business studies and geography who want to make a difference to population health.


Image of researchers sitting about a laptop
https://pheds-dtc.ac.uk/

Join the research effort to reduce the burden of chronic disease

Chronic disease accounts for over 70% of deaths globally. Many of these are premature and can be prevented by coordinated and well-targeted public health policies and interventions. However, to achieve this goal, we need better understanding of the complex interplay of influences on health at the societal, environmental and individual levels.

Public Health Economics and Decision Science seeks to identify the prevention strategies that are most effective and cost-effective, and should therefore be prioritised by decision-makers. This four-year programme will give graduates the necessary public health and advanced quantitative skills for rewarding careers in academia, practice or policy, where they can contribute to reducing the burden of disease in the UK and internationally.

About scholarships

Our Wellcome Doctoral Training Centre will provide funding for 35 studentships in total, between 2019 and 2024. We are now commencing recruitment of a new cohort of seven students to join the programme in autumn 2021.

The programme

Generously funded by Wellcome and the University of Sheffield, this four-year cohort-based PhD Programme provides a unique interdisciplinary experience to develop quantitative, analytical and transferable skills that are highly valuable for careers within academia and beyond.

It offers doctoral-level research training in public health, economics, statistics and mathematical modelling. From year one, you will have access to senior scientists and public health decision-makers and take a range of taught modules to complement your existing skills. Health and social sciences graduates will develop advanced quantitative analytical skills and those with quantitative analytical degrees will receive training in public health. Rotations through several “research attachments” will allow you to experience research in multiple areas before finalising the topic of the PhD project you will complete during years two to four. You will work collaboratively, arrange internships and develop networks with external organisations and decision-makers. This helps to ensure your PhD has real-world impact, which you can support further by applying to a postdoctoral transition fund that is exclusive to students on this programme.

Funding

Seven studentships are available. We are keen to attract the best talent from all walks of life and will award at least one studentship to a UK applicant from a widening participation background. Two studentships can cover overseas fees for applicants from OECD ODA recipient countries. Part-time study can be discussed where students have health or social needs that would make full-time study difficult.

Each studentship provides:

  • home or international rate tuition fees for four years
  • an annual stipend at Wellcome Trust rates (£19,919-£23,997)
  • a generous training, research cost and travel fund
  • an opportunity to apply for postdoctoral transition funding

Eligibility

You will…

  • be highly motivated to make a significant scientific contribution to tackling the burden of chronic disease through well-evidenced, cost-effective public health strategies
  • be an academic high achiever
  • be able to demonstrate your enthusiasm to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
  • have completed an undergraduate degree (equivalent to 2.1 or above) in a relevant discipline
  • have a relevant Masters degree or experience working in a health, policy, operational research/decision modelling, or economics environment. Current Masters students without relevant work experience will only be considered if they have an outstanding academic track record, including a first-class undergraduate degree.
  • have quantitative maths skills equivalent to A at A-Level (may also be evidenced through university modules or work)
  • meet English language requirements (international applicants).

Closing date for Autumn 2021 entry – Midnight, Monday 14th December 2020.

Interviews will take place in February 2021.

More information & how to apply

Visit our website or contact us at wellcomephds@sheffield.ac.uk.