Exposure Worry, Ageing and Cognitive Functioning: An in-depth study of British Nuclear Test Veterans.

College of Health and Life Sciences
Institute of Environment, Health and Societies


3-year-funded PhD Studentship:
Exposure Worry, Ageing and Cognitive Functioning: An in-depth study of British Nuclear Test Veterans.

A 3-year funded PhD studentship is available in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Brunel University London.

Project description

A studentship is being offered in the Social Sciences to join a new team setting up the Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents (CHRC), the aim of which is to explore the health impact of radiological and chemical agents on military personnel and their families. Funded by the Nuclear Community Charity Fund, CHRC will initially be devoted to support the needs of the aged nuclear community and their families by exploring the health impact of participation at the nuclear weapons test sites in the 1950s and 1960s. CHRC will involve a multi-disciplinary team of social scientists, biologists and toxicologists and will carry out research for translation into evidence-based advice, education and support for potentially affected communities.

Recent studies demonstrate a potential link between exposure to ionising radiation with premature cellular ageing and also chronic inflammatory responses and as a consequence, to age-related diseases including those which impact on cognitive function. Additionally, any potential impact of exposure to a nuclear test event on cognitive functioning in old age, years of worry about the potential damage to oneself, and potential genetic damage to one’s children, could itself impact on cognitive functioning. It is well established that stress and long-term anxiety have a negative impact on cognitive functioning. The aim of this study is to examine factors associated with an important aspect of healthy ageing and quality of life, namely cognitive functioning. A special feature of this study is an examination of ‘exposure worry’ and cognitive functioning. Currently there is no such research on cognitive effects of witnessing nuclear tests among UK or other national groups of test veterans. However this aspect is being explored with increasing priority in relation to populations affected by the Chernobyl and Fukishima accidents.

The project will start on 1st January 2018 and will be based at the Brunel University London (Uxbridge) and will be supervised Professor Mary Gilhooly and Dr Will Young. The student will be trained in techniques of cognitive testing, interviewing and survey methods, developing over the project a valuable set of statistical, technical and theoretical expertise that will boost a successful career as independent scientist.

Funding

This studentship is fully funded by CHRC and covers a generous tax-free stipend and full UK/EU tuition fees which amounts to £20,748 per annum for 3 years.

Qualifications and eligibility

Candidates are required to be UK-based and must ensure they fully meet the eligibility criteria of Brunel University London. We are looking for an enthusiastic and high-calibre candidate with an interest in radiation health effects, cognitive functioning and ageing. The project would be ideally suited to a student with a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in psychology, or similar discipline. An MSc in psychology, public health, gerontology, or a related discipline is highly desirable. The project would be of particular interest to those wishing to pursue a career in health psychology or clinical psychology. If you are a non-native speaker and have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK, you must demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.0 in any section).

Informal enquiries are most welcome and should be sent to Professor Mary Gilhooly [Email Address Removed]

If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to [Email Address Removed] by the 17th November 2017.
• An up-to-date CV;
• A single-page A4 single-spaced covering letter setting out why you are a suitable candidate.
• Names and contact details for two referees;
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification (where applicable).

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview which will be held week commencing 27th November.