About the Project
PhD Studentship (Fee waiver and Bursary)
Fixed term contract for 3 years, commencing 16th January 2018.
Bursary of £16,000 per annum and a full fee-waiver for UK/EU tuition fees.
Closing date: Tuesday 24 October 2017.
Interview date: Week beginning 13 November 2017
Proposed supervisory team
Prof Viren Swami (contact – [Email Address Removed])
Dr Jane Aspell
Dr David Barron (Perdana University)
Theme
Identity and Social Issues, Body and Self, Emotion and Well-Being
Summary of the position
As part of this PhD studentship, you will have the opportunity to investigate relationships between interoception and body image. Specific goals of this project will be to test the nature and strength of relationships between interoception and body image in non-clinical samples.
In particular, the project aims to examine relationships between multiple measures of interoceptions and multiple dimensions of body image, drawing on literature documenting a divergence between negative and positive body image. A further important element of this project consists of an investigation of the cross-cultural reliability of established relationships between interoception and body image, and you will have the opportunity to conduct primary research in Malaysia (see below). Finally, there will be an opportunity to develop interventions designed to promote more positive body image based on knowledge of interoception.
Applications from a wide range of disciplines are welcomed, including psychology, medicine, physiology, or other life sciences. Previous experience in quantitative research methods is essential. Candidates will have access to a wide range of cutting edge facilities at Anglia Ruskin University and the Centre for Psychological Medicine at Perdana University in Malaysia.
The successful applicant will benefit from strong supervisory and peer support. This project sits within the Identity and Social Issues, Body and Self, and Emotion and Well-Being Research Areas. The supervisory team will include Prof Viren Swami (Anglia Ruskin University), who offers expertise in body image; Dr Jane Aspell (Anglia Ruskin University), who offers expertise in interoception and Dr David Barron (Perdana University), who offers expertise in quantitative research methods.
Summary of the Studentship
A three-year studentship is offered, intended to start in January 2018, providing a tax-free stipend of £16,000 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available to UK/EU candidates.
This studentship is funded by Perdana University (Malaysia) and the successful candidate will be expected to spend a portion of time (no less than three months) conducting primary research at the Centre for Psychological Medicine at Perdana University.
Candidates for this PhD Studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD within 3 years.
Qualifications
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first Honours degree (or equivalent; a 2:1 degree qualification would be the minimum) in a relevant discipline and a relevant Masters degree at the time they begin the studentship. The ideal candidate will have experience in body image and/or interoception research, and will be adept at quantitative research design and methods. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the University will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.
How to apply
Please complete the application form available from our Psychology PhD course page http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/psychology
Please ensure the reference 'Department of Psychology Studentship: An Investigation of the link between body image and interoception’ is clearly stated on page 4 of the application form, under the title ‘Outline of your proposed research’.
Your application must also include your CV and a covering letter addressing your suitability for the position and the project. In the section ‘Outline of your proposed research’, applicants must include a 500 word outline of the proposed research in relation to the research title.
Interested applicants should direct initial queries about the project to the principle supervisor, Prof Viren Swami, Professor of Social Psychology, via email: [Email Address Removed]. For enquiries regarding the process and eligibility please contact [Email Address Removed].
Interviews are scheduled to take place during the week beginning 13th November 2017.
We value diversity at Anglia Ruskin University and welcome applications from all sections of the community.