Mobile data analytics and population health

Coventry University (CU) is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship on mobile data analytics and population health, specifically focusing on the problem of characterizing and maximizing the effectiveness of contact-tracing mobile applications during epidemics.

One promising option adopted by UK and many other countries in the Post-COVID era is using mobile technology to do contact tracing. This is not only regarded as the way which can help bring us to a new normality as the available vaccine is still far away, but also seems to be a “sword” to prevent us from the next wave of COVID or other future epidemics. However, we are still unclear about whether the mobile contact tracing is effective under different settings (e.g., installation rate, symptom report timeliness, testing capacity, and self-isolation measures), and how to optimize and incentivize its deployment among populations to maximize its effectiveness.

This project will conduct both simulative and real-world studies to develop quantitative models for characterizing the effectiveness of mobile contact tracing with its related factors, and then propose the app deployment/propagation optimization strategies, and further provide suggestions for government’s evidence-based policy making. In the perspective of sustainability, it enables us to better prepare for the future crisis (second wave of COVID or other epidemics).

Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry criteria for applicants to PHD
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/

How to apply
To find out more about the project please contact [Email Address Removed]

To apply on line please visit:
https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/studentships/hls-mobile-data-analytics-and-population-health

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus an up to 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.