Developing psychosocial support for people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through co-creation 

An opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD in the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, UWE Bristol.  The studentship will be funded by UWE, Bristol and Lupus UK.

Ref: 2022-OCT-HAS08

The expected start date of this studentship is 1 October 2022.

The closing date for applications is 25 July 2022.

Applications are invited from ambitious, self-motivated and enthusiastic candidates, with a background in a health-related discipline to work on a fully funded PhD studentship. Funding and stipend are provided by UWE Bristol and Lupus UK to develop psychosocial support for people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using co-creation.

SLE is a multisystem autoimmune rheumatic disease with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations encompassing almost all organs with a chronic course, which can vary from mild to life-threatening. Previous research reports psychosocial factors as key to understanding and supporting people with SLE, yet no evidence-based interventions exist, and the specific psychosocial support needs and preferences of SLE patients have not been explored in a UK context.  

Co-creation is collaborative knowledge generation by academics working alongside other stakeholders. It is becoming increasingly popular within service development as it enables research to respond to the needs and ideas of relevant stakeholders throughout the development process. The knowledge and networks of a diverse stakeholder group can also help identify ways to engage and include underserved groups.  

The successful candidate will use co-creation techniques and mixed methods to develop psychosocial support for SLE. 

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Caroline Flurey at caroline2.flurey@uwe.ac.uk 

The studentship is available from 1 October 2022 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which is currently £16,602 per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years (Home).

Applicants must have a minimum of 2:1 in a health-related discipline, and minimum of merit in a health-related Masters. Candidates will ideally have a Masters that includes an understanding of health inequalities and social determinants of health, and previous research experience in SLE.

A recognised English language qualification is required.

Please submit your application online.

When prompted use the reference number 2022-OCT-HAS08.

Supporting documentation: When the online application requests a research proposal, please upload a cover letter instead. Please upload all degree certificates and transcripts and proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application, so please have these available when you complete the application form.

References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.  

The closing date for applications is 25 July 2022.

Interviews will take place week commencing 1 August 2022 . If you have not heard from us by 8 August, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.