Risks of adverse health outcomes after treatment for cancer in childhood

Applications are invited for a 3-year self-funded PhD Studentship starting as soon as possible.

The centre for the British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (BCCSS) at the University of Birmingham has an international reputation for its research concerned with the risks of adverse health and social outcomes experienced by survivors of childhood cancer (www.bccss.bham.ac.uk) The BCCSS includes approximately 35,000 individuals who survived at least 5 years following diagnosis of cancer at ages 0-14 years, in England and Wales, during 1940-2006.

The areas of research to be included within the PhD thesis will be determined in discussion with the supervisors taking into account student’s preferences and interests as well as research priorities. Past research areas have explored:

- Risk of physical (mortality, second neoplasms) and psychosocial (quality of life, health service use, educational attainment, marriage status, smoking and drinking behaviours) outcomes by different types of childhood cancer e.g. bone sarcoma and Wilms’ tumour.
- Extensive analysis into a particular physical or mental outcome in all childhood cancer survivors e.g. cardiac-specific mortality, mental health dysfunction.
Up-to-date searches should be conducted to explore past and current epidemiological research being carried out in childhood cancer survivors to help formulate research ideas for the studentship. A concept proposal of your research ideas should be sent as well as the below details under “how to apply”.

This studentship will provide a good training and support in all aspects of large-scale epidemiology. Staff from the Centre present at most important cancer survivorship conferences worldwide and the student could have opportunities to visit collaborators and present their research at national and international conferences. Attendance on relevant internal and external training courses will also be encouraged.

Person Specification
Applicants should have a strong background in epidemiology, with demonstrable experience of statistical methods. They should have a commitment to cancer survivorship and late effects research in those diagnosed with childhood cancer and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in epidemiology, statistics or a relevant discipline.

How to apply
Applications should be directed to Clare Frobisher at [Email Address Removed]. To apply, please send:
• A Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
• Names and addresses of two referees;
• A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;
• A concept proposal for your potential epidemiological research into late effects of childhood cancer;
• Copies of your degree transcripts;
• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.

Applicants will be required to attend an interview. This can be conducted face –to –face, by telephone or skype