PhD in Addiction Medicine

Project description

This 3 year PhD will explore the mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of opioid dependence by examining vascular function and oxidative stress. Given the propensity for increased cardiovascular risk factors in opioid dependent individuals, a study examining the effects of chronic opioid use on vascular function is needed. Overall, the study aims to determine presence or not of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness using macro/microvasculature analysis and to identify the presence or not of metabolic and inflammatory disease parameters and oxidative stress directly relevant to vascular function and atherosclerosis. There is a requirement, as part of this PhD to not only conduct an opportunistic, treatment seeking, case-controlled cohort study but also to utilise linked datasets.

Ideally the post is 1.0 FTE for 3 years, starting on May 2023. This post provides an opportunity to work as part of an Addiction Medicine research team with links to parallel European and International projects. Part time PhD will also be considered.

You will bring skills in independent and collaborative working, and ability to build networks across institutions, have excellent organisational and project management skills and have experience in organising and facilitating Delphi/ expert panel/ seminar type engagement work. The applicant should also have excellent literature synthesis, rapid review, writing and IT skills.

If you have a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as health services research or related other discipline and you want to apply your knowledge to a rapidly expanding field in addiction medicine then please send informal enquiries to Professor Alex Baldacchino, Professor of Addiction Medicine at [Email Address Removed].

How to apply

Full applications should be made via the University’s online portal.

Applications should include:

A covering letter

A full curriculum vitae

Supporting document including a list of refereed publications and key conference contributions

Research proposal

Application enquiries can be made to Rachel Horn at [Email Address Removed].

Project enquiries can be made to Prof Alex Baldacchino at [Email Address Removed].

School of Medicine, University of St Andrews

The successful applicant will join a thriving research laboratory and will have the opportunity to work in an exciting and collaborative research environment, equipped to the highest international standards. The School of Medicine is located at the core of a highly interactive and vibrant research campus at the forefront of cell signalling and molecular medicine research with a focus on understanding and combating disease.

The School is committed to equal opportunities and values all applicants. The School currently has Athena SWAN bronze accreditation.