About the Project
This is an exciting opportunity to undertake a PhD involving innovative research within a Better Start Bradford (BSB); a community partnership led by Bradford Trident. BSB is funded through the Big Lottery to help parents give their children the best start in life. Over ten years, a portfolio of projects plan to engage with ~ 20,000 children, to improve their social and emotional wellbeing, their communication and language skills and their diet and nutrition. Better Start Bradford will intervene early and, through integrated working and involving parents in developing and delivering its projects, will provide additional antenatal support, early years and peer support. Simultaneously, community initiatives will improve the local environment for children and families in the Better Start Bradford area.
The specifics of the proposal will be determined in discussion with supervisors to meet the interests of the PhD candidate. In brief it aims to provide an opportunity to optimise our understanding of the feasibility and acceptability of system wide intervention, particularly related to uptake and reach. Thus, the ethnography will consider participant and community ‘reach’ to engagement in interventions. Research questions are likely to include those related to understanding the local community, investigating the wider impact of BSB in the area and exploring the nature of engagement within specific populations (e.g. by ethnicity, culture or other factors). In addition to providing an evidence base for work in this area, the outcomes of this work will support future approaches to engage families and to enhance the reach of interventions.
Environment
You will be based within the Clinical Trials Research Unit in the University of Leeds, where you will be embedded within a portfolio of Diet, Obesity and Lifestyle. As the PhD will include field work during the ethnography, you will spend a large amount of time in Bradford. This will be support by Better Start Bradford (https://betterstartbradford.org.uk) and you will be provided the opportunity to be immersed in to an existing team of researchers based at the Bradford Institute of Health Research (http://www.bradfordresearch.nhs.uk/).
The University of Leeds is one of the top 100 universities in the world and University of the Year 2017, as named by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide. Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe.
Eligibility
You should hold a first degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second class honours degree, or suitable postgraduate degree in psychology, social science or health related subject. A Masters degree in a relevant area is desirable. Though not essential, a full driving license and vehicle to support the field work would be desirable.
You will be enthusiastic, organised and motivated, ideally with experience in qualitative research and/or public involvement/engagement. Importantly, you will be committed to fully engaging with members of the community, BSB and a wider multi-disciplinary team to conduct high-quality research that has the potential to make an impact.
The Faculty minimum requirements for candidates whose first language is not English are:
• British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0
• TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.
How to Apply
To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete a Faculty Scholarship Application form using the link below http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/download/4087/fmh_scholarship_application_form_2018_19 and send this alongside a 300 word research proposal based on the project brief given above, a full academic CV, degree certificates and transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) to the Faculty Graduate School [Email Address Removed]
We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to [Email Address Removed] by no later than Thursday 1 November 2018.
Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to [Email Address Removed]
For any queries about this project and the post available please contact Dr Maria Bryant [Email Address Removed] (Tel 0113 343 7632)
The anticipated start date for this project is early 2019.
Funding Notes
This PhD Scholarship is available for UK and EU citizens only. The scholarship is funded by Better Start Bradford and will attract an annual tax-free stipend of £14,777 for up to 3 years (also offered part-time pro-rata for 5 years), (reviewed annually) subject to satisfactory progress and will cover the UK/EU tuition fees.