The proposed PhD will be nested within an already funded larger study on the mechanisms of anxiety in PD (AND-PD).
Location: UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, Royal Free campus
Anxiety is common and distressing symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can cause considerable suffering in patients and caregivers. However, little is known on the underlying changes leading to these symptoms.
The proposed PhD project will generate information on mechanisms underlying this neuropsychiatric symptom, using clinical and cognitive assessments, as well as additional blood and neuroimaging biomarkers.
The student will receive training in the clinical assessment of patients with Parkinson’s disease and neuropsychiatric symptoms, the application of a number of scales relating to possible underlying concepts of Anxiety in PD, analysis of data, and clinical trial methodology. They will join a group of researchers and PhD students investigating the motor and non-motor aspects of Parkinson’s disease, including cognitive and neuropsychiatric features, as well as biomarker and MRI imaging marker collection and analysis.
As this study progresses through phases of data collection, this studentship would involve investigation and analysis of data collected. The final plan of study would be agreed with the successful candidate.
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Bachelor's degree (2:1 or higher) in a relevant discipline
- Masters degree in a relevant discipline
- Computer literate
- Able to understand data management and analysis
- Strong interest in understanding psychiatric aspects of neurodegenerative disease
- Able to work as part of a collaboration between different departments
- Excellent written communication skills with the ability to train in writing scientific papers and a PhD thesis
- Excellent oral communications skills with the ability to deliver research presentations
Desirable criteria
- Experience in research in patients with psychiatric symptoms
- Experience in research in patients with Parkinson’s disease
- Experience in MRI image analysis
Application process
Deadline: 23:59 BST, 31st May 2022
Please submit applications to [Email Address Removed] in the following format:
- A CV or biographical sketch (2 pages maximum)
- Personal statement (600 words maximum) outlining (i) why you are applying for this project, (ii) what makes you the ideal candidate, (iii) what training experience you have had to date.
- Name and contact details for at least one person who could be approached as a referee.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified in late June. For further information contact Prof Anette Schrag at [Email Address Removed]
Continue with Facebook
