Blood pressure (BP) increases with age, so people aged 70 or 80 have often had high blood pressure or hypertension for decades. This has an impact on cardiovascular and general health, as well as survival. Modelling cardiovascular function across the life course of hypertension may be key to understanding potential intervention points to maximise and preserve cardiovascular and physiological function.
This studentship will take the field forward through quantitative modelling of cardiovascular function across the life course of hypertension, by analysing world leading data from the UK Biobank (UKB; over 500,000 participants) and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD; over 30 million). The direction of the PhD is flexible and can be partially moulded to suit the strengths and interests of the successful candidate within the framework of the project. Depending on the student’s experience and interest this might include analysing measures from UKB data of 100,000 heart MRI scans alongside traditional cardiovascular measures. Ultimately this research could lead to improving treatment of hypertension at different stages of cardiovascular disease.
We are looking for an ambitious and motivated student to pursue this research. The student will be supported in this work by a supervisory team experienced in this field, with a successful track record in high impact publication and grant acquisition. The studentship will particularly appeal to prospective students with a background in epidemiology, statistics, data science or mathematics. Additional training is available in big data approaches and advanced epidemiology, with the potential to develop novel approaches in Artificial Intelligence. The project includes the opportunity for collaboration with world-leading European and US teams in cardiovascular disease modelling.
This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, a training budget for agreed courses plus at least £17,668 (2022/23 rate) per year tax-free stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend.
The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.
Entry requirements:
Relevant undergraduate and masters degrees, awarded at a high grade (First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree) or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or mathematics.
Knowledge and skills in epidemiology, data science, mathematical or statistical modelling.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level (Profile C) as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/
How to apply
In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.
· CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the PhD project).
• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 3 April 2023. Interviews will be held virtually / on the University of Exeter St Luke’s Campus in w/c 17 April 2023.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers) Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor.
For further information or to apply click here Award details | Funding and scholarships for students | University of Exeter
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