Investigation of populations and activities at risk of seasonal cryptosporidiosis in the UK

Project Summary

Cryptosporidia are an important cause of illness in the UK, where cases exhibit a highly seasonal pattern with spring and autumn peaks of infection. The aim of this project is to better understand the populations at greatest risk of cryptosporidiosis, and the activities that contribute to this increased risk, with the ultimate goal of informing prevention strategies and improving targeting of health promotion messages.
The project will analyse data routinely collected by Public Health England from cases of cryptosporidiosis during both seasonal peaks of this infection. This, together with evidence from studies published in the literature, will be used to generate hypothesis about likely populations and activities that might be associated with increased risk of acquiring this parasitic infection. These hypotheses will be further investigated using appropriate prospective studies.

Training

The student will gain expertise in a range of key skills throughout the project through both formal and informal training. Training will include generic career and research skills as well as specific scientific skills, particularly focused on health epidemiology.

Research Environment

The successful candidate will join the NIHR-funded Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, which involves Public Health England, the University of Liverpool, and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (http://hpruezi.nihr.ac.uk/). The HPRU EZI brings together a multidisciplinary team of internationally leading researchers to tackle key issues in emerging infectious diseases.

The Student

This PhD studentship would be suitable for a UK or EU graduate with a degree in a relevant health, biological or social science; some research experience and an interest in epidemiology is beneficial.


Please email your application to: [Email Address Removed]
This should consist of two documents attached as PDFs; a covering letter and a CV. Please limit your CV to three pages and state in your covering letter the title of the PhD you are applying for. Do not attach any other documents. The subject heading of the email should only state ‘HPRU PhD application 2015’. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be informed in due course. Please note we are only recruiting UK/EU/home rated students and only eligible students should apply.