Studentships

Project Title: Regulation of glycogen metabolism as a potential therapeutic approach against glioblastoma

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences

Reference Number: DTC12-22-02

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Centre for Translational Biosciences & Behaviour within our School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration. It is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply. EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumour in adults with a median survival time of ~15 months. Current treatment options are ineffective and there is an urgent need for better approaches. Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) is a key regulator of glucose levels through glycogenolysis and is attracting significant interest as a potential anti-cancer target, including against glioblastoma. A feature of glioblastoma cells is the switch to a glycolytic energetic metabolism, which relies on high glucose uptake to sustain the cancer cells malignant activities. Hence, discovery of compounds that inhibit this could be a novel therapeutic strategy, effectively cutting off the tumours’ energy supply.

Accordingly, this PhD project aims to identify GP inhibitors to decrease the available glucose. Pilot study data has indicated initial promise for this strategy, with compounds acting at the GP allosteric site and natural product polyphenols demonstrating best potential against glioblastoma. Compounds of this type will be explored. Discovery of new GP inhibitors will be accelerated by in silico approaches, and candidate compounds sourced from Celignis (Ireland) and other natural product companies. These will be tested for GP inhibition by collaborators at the University of Thessaly and for their anti-glioblastoma potential as part of the PhD at UCLan. Hence, the appointed student will be expected to perform both molecular modelling (computer-aided drug design) and cellular experiments as part of the project.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr. Joseph Hayes.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, by selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-02 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

Current UCLan research students will not be eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Evaluating the effectiveness of metacognitive training interventions

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Psychology and Computer Science

Reference Number: DTC12-22-03

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in individual differences in learning styles and dispositional traits during specialist training influence learning uptake, within the School of Psychology and Computer Science. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: This UCLan/BAE Systems collaboration aims to improve personnel training in aerospace contexts (e.g., maintenance; tactical support) using bespoke, technological solutions. The generic nature of current training makes it poorly attuned to factors that can impact the efficiency and effectiveness of training, particularly differences in individual learning styles (e.g., variations in adaptive thinking, reflective processing, information uptake) and dispositional traits (e.g., confidence, decisiveness, risk-taking).

The PhD project will:
(i) identify ways in which individual differences in learning styles and dispositional traits during specialist training influence learning uptake; and
(ii) apply various objective measures of task performance (i.e., eye-gaze) to develop individualised training.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Beth H. Richardson, Senior Lecturer in Experimental Psychology.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-03 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

Current UCLan research students will not be eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Fire Protection of structural steel

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Chemistry, Natural Sciences

Reference Number: DTC12-22-05

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship Centre for Fire and Hazards Sciences, in Chemistry, within the School of Natural Sciences. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Structural steel is rapidly replacing concrete as a sustainable, recyclable framework for large modern buildings. A major problem faced by steel is its reduction in strength in fires. Once the temperature reaches 550°C it ceases to be able to support its design load which can lead to catastrophic collapse. Our collaborator, CPG Europe is a major manufacturer of fire-protective intumescent coatings.

Intumescent coatings, which appear as a thick paint layer, are designed to swell to 100 times their thickness in the event of a fire, providing one or two hours’ insulation to maintain the structural integrity of the steel.

The complex chemistry of the intumescent process involves several stages. It must be resilient and long-lasting in everyday use. In the event of a fire, the binder must liquefy and a “spumific” must release gas to increase the layer thickness by a factor of 100. The foamed binder must then stiffen and become fire-resistant, to withstand a flame for up to two hours.

The chemistry and complex interactions of the different components and processes are academically challenging. Most of the coating development so far has been empirical, relying on large-scale furnaces which are inaccessible during the two-hour fire test.

This project will review the composition of the whole coating and address the need to change various components. The cone calorimeter will be used to investigate the swelling at various stages in the process, in order to optimise formulations. The results will be compared with those from the large-scale furnace tests.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Prof Richard Hull.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-05 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: 27 April 2023
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Fire safe, sustainable furniture

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Chemistry, Natural Sciences

Reference Number: DTC12-22-06

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in Centre for Fire and Hazards Sciences, in Chemistry, within the School of Natural Sciences. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: The UK has the world’s most stringent furniture flammability regulations (FFRs), and the highest concentration of endocrine-disrupting chemical flame retardants (CFRs) in its household dust. Many European countries have lower fire death rates than the UK, showing CFRs in furniture do not have a proven life-safety benefit. CFRs increase smoke toxicity; prevent polymer recycling; toxify air and household dust.

The aim is to work with Silentnight Beds to lead the UK furniture industry into sustainable manufacture by developing products which are CFR-free and meets the FFRs and circular economy requirements.

Objectives:

1. To identify components for furniture manufacturers which are free of CFRs, and investigate their fire behaviour.
2. To investigate the release of CFRs from furniture composites through accelerated ageing.
3. To work with fabric and filling manufacturers to eliminate CFR use by investigation of burning behaviour and smoke toxicity of furniture composites.
4. To investigate the economic and environmental sustainability of our proposed solutions to minimise the likelihood of “regrettable substitution”.
5. To disseminate the results to government regulators and standards bodies to eliminate the unnecessary use of CFRs across the furniture sector.

The Centre for Fire and Hazards Science has been highly active in researching the hazards from unwanted fires, from fire retardant development, measurement of fire toxicity, and the effect of CFRs on it, to high-profile activities with national and international influence, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the recent discovery that Scottish firefighters suffered higher incidences of cancer and other diseases than the rest of the population.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Prof Richard Hull.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-06 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: 26 April 2023
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Reducing fatigue symptoms using neurostimulation at home – improving wellbeing through on-demand treatments

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in the School of Psychology and Computer Science

Reference Number: DTC12-22-08

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Perception, Cognition, and Neurosciece (PCN) group, within the School of Psychology and Computer Science. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: It is estimated that around 1 in 10 people experiences at least one long-term (>6-month) period of fatigue in their life. Fatigue - defined as persistent loss of motivation, a feeling of exhaustion, combined with a performance decline - can be a symptom of a neurological or psychiatric disorder, as well as of long COVID. It can also occur without another explanatory factor (chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS). Fatigue decreases the quality of life and has severe consequences for the individual, as well as for society, in terms of health care costs, educational attainment, productivity loss, and early retirement (estimated around £3 billion in 2014/15 for CFS).

The proposed project seeks to determine whether fatigue could be reduced using on-demand, non-invasive neurostimulation. Studies have shown that non-invasive electric brain stimulation (tDCS of frontal cortex regions) can alleviate fatigue symptoms in MS as well as in major depression. Studies are usually conducted in clinics and laboratories and therefore limited to few scheduled sessions; however, more sessions typically improve efficacy.

In this project, we want to provide large samples from the general population reporting fatigue symptoms with mobile non-invasive neurostimulation headsets - devices by our industry collaborator PlatoScience. These can be used at home when subjects feel they would be most beneficial (on-demand). We will evaluate the efficacy of the headsets using neurophysiology (EEG) and cognitive tests in our laboratories. Large samples in heterogenous groups will make the results more meaningful and should provide indicators under which circumstances tDCS can alleviate fatigue.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Philipp Ruhnau.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-08 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Quantitative approaches to the study of sign language change using the Indonesian Sign Language corpus.

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Humanities, Language and Global Studies

Reference Number: DTC12-22-11

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the International Institute for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies (iSLanDS), funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration. Studentships are tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time and provide an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates.

Project Description: How do sign languages change, and do they change in the same ways and at the same rates as spoken languages? These questions are at the forefront of CrossMoGram, a UK-German (AHRC/DFG-funded) research collaboration hosted by UCLan’s International Institute for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies (iSLanDS) from 2023-26, conducting ground-breaking research on sign languages and creoles. To answer these questions, our team uses readily-available corpora of data from seven sign languages, including Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO), on which Palfreyman is an authority.

The BISINDO corpus was compiled from 2010-17 in conjunction with PUPET, a deaf research centre based in Java, Indonesia. Featuring conversational data from 131 signers on six Indonesian islands, the corpus offers rare opportunities to apply quantitative methods to a substantial body of sign language data from the Global South.

We seek a linguist who can do data analysis well, and who either has programming skills in R/Python or can teach themselves programming during the course of the PhD, to work with PUPET and the international CrossMoGram team to conduct cutting-edge statistical analyses on sign language change. The student identifies their own research questions that contribute original knowledge; their input contributes robust quantitative methods to the CrossMoGram project, while enabling the student to work in a highly innovative research area and with international deaf and hearing experts.

We are committed to ethical collaboration with sign communities in line with the Global Code of Conduct for Research in Resource-Poor Settings, and at the iSLanDS Institute the student will have the chance to learn how to present data in ways that are accessible for sign language users. They will also be able to learn some BISINDO and work with those who use it to address key theoretical questions on language change.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr. Nick Palfreyman.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-11 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

Current UCLan research students will not be eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Design and Evaluation of Culturally Sensitive Immersive Experiences

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Psychology and Computer Science

Reference Number: DTC12-22-12

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Centre for Digital Life, funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Immersive technology such as Virtual Reality (VR) has widened access to many world-class archaeological sites and artefacts around the world. Many of these are of significant cultural importance to the communities whose ancestors created them.

You will be working on the design of immersive experiences (virtual and mixed reality) that support interaction with culturally sensitive virtual artefacts and spaces. With a focus on archaeological sites and artefacts, you will conduct user-centred research on the design and evaluation of tools, techniques and guidelines for building experiences that support access to culturally sensitive digital spaces and artefacts. Where appropriate you will work to design ‘digital interventions’ to allow key stakeholders to maintain control of their virtual environments and artefacts and where appropriate encourage changes to user behaviour within these spaces.

You will work within an existing collaboration between the Centre for Digital Life and the Centre for Field Archaeological and Forensic Taphonomy at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston. The wider project centres around a prototype virtual reality platform for providing virtual access to difficult to access archaeological sites and artefacts of cultural significance to key stakeholders. such as the descendants of the creators of the artefacts/sites.

With guidance from a multi-disciplinary supervision team you will work directly with our project partners, the Tejon Native American Indian Tribe and the Wind Wolves Preserve to gather data, design solutions and evaluate prototypes specifically for this project aimed at generating new knowledge in the design and evaluation of culturally sensitive immersive experiences. You will apply a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to address research questions in this area. The project is UK based but as our partners are based in the USA occasional travel to the USA will be required for research and data collection purposes.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Brendan Cassidy

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-12 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Optimisation of orthotic boot design to minimise in-vivo Achilles tendon loading during walking

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Sport and Health Sciences

Reference Number: DTC12-22-16

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in Research Centre for Applied Sport Physical Activity and Performance, within the School of Sport and Health Sciences. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) are rising due to increased sports participation and an ageing population. ATR incidence is estimated to be between 23-47 per 100,000, with males at 8-12 times greater risk of ATR, which can have severe consequences on physical function.

Non-surgical management using orthotic walker boots post-ATR is frequently used within clinical practice with millions of these devices sold each year globally. Our previous published work demonstrates that boot design significantly effects lower limb kinematics and joint loading and self-reported ease of walking which can affect adherence. Despite the popularity of the clinical use of orthotic boots post-ATR, little is known about how walker boot design affects Achilles tendon loading which can affect tendon remodelling and recovery.

This PhD aims to examine the biomechanical and neuromuscular changes and Achilles tendon loading whilst wearing orthotic walker boots to improve orthotic boot design. The project will combine state-of-the-art biomechanical modelling and clinical outcome measures.

We invite applicants with an interest and/or experience in motion capture data collection, musculoskeletal modelling, or ultrasonography to work in a progressive and diverse research environment.

The successful candidate will work with international clinical key opinion leaders and Enovis, who are one of the largest suppliers of rehabilitation equipment globally.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Graham Chapman or Professor Jim Richards.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-16 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: The Development of a Novel Water Storage Cylinder for Domestic Sanitary Hot Water

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Engineering

Reference Number: DTC12-22-19

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Jost Institute for Tribotronics, Manufacturing Group, within the School of Engineering. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

A PhD scholarship is available for a highly motivated and talented individual to join our department at the University of Central Lancashire in the field of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Ahmad W Al Shaer and will be part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary research group.

Project description: This project is in collaboration with BDR Thermea (Baxi Heating), world leaders in sustainable energy carriers.

The main objective is to develop an alternative cylinder to the current Stainless Steel cylinders, which are widely used in hot water storage industry.

While stainless steel has been used and tested for a long time, our industrial partner is interested in exploring the usage of innovative materials that could provide comparable performance and reliability levels but at a reduced manufacturing cost. Sustainability is an important value for us, so the type of material, its construction and recycling must be investigated.

The project will investigate various types of novel materials to be used in unvented cylindrical vessels with moderate volume. The proposed materials will be tested in a heated and pressurised environment and the materials' performance will be evaluated in terms of strength, degradation, structural integrity, safety etc.

The prototypes will be tested in accordance with BS EN-12897 Unvented Storage Cylinder Vessels and BS EN-60335 Household Electrical Appliances standards before the actual cylinders are designed and produced. Additionally, you will be expected to conduct computational fluid dynamics simulations to understand the system’s behaviour under pressure and high temperature, and to inform material selection and design processes.

This PhD project is ideal for those looking for gaining substantial industrial experience while acquiring deep understanding of materials science and manufacturing processes used in production.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Ahmad W Al Shaer.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-19 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Ultrafast all-optical switching in magnetic recording media

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute within the School of Physical Sciences and Computing

Reference Number: DTC12-22-20

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Perpendicular magnetic recording has been the dominant HDD technology for the past 20 years and more recently Seagate developed heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology, allowing for dramatic increase in the areal density capability (ADC). Here a hard granular magnetic material (FePt) is used for the recording media, with the grain sizes reduced significantly without becoming superparamagnetic. One of the drawbacks of HAMR is the necessity of heating the media to its Curie temperature, for it be reversible by the write pole. A promising alternative approach to reverse hard grains without excessive heating is to use ultrafast all-optical switching. Helicity independent all-optical magnetisation switching was first observed in ferrimagnetic 3d-4f alloys using femtosecond lasers, and it was attributed to different demagnetisation times between 3d and 4f sublattices, with ultrafast demagnetisation of a single layer being defined by different relaxation times of spin, electron, and phonon subsystems. Later this approach was extended to artificial ferrimagnets, where two ferromagnetic layers are antiferromagnetically coupled to each other through RKKY exchange interactions mediated by a thin non-magnetic metallic layer. This approach allows the use of FePt media, required due to its high remanent magnetisation and coercivity. The mechanisms of switching in such systems are more complicated than that in alloys, with some laser-induced spin current generation necessary for the reversal. Here we propose to explore many possible mechanisms of magnetisation switching in such systems. This includes thermal and non-thermal spin current generation, with micromagnetic and atomistic discretisation being compared. The project is based in the JHI at UCLan, in collaboration with Seagate, a global leader in magnetic recording research and development. The PhD includes a long-term internship at Seagate, where the student will be involved in the work of the R&D group and will receive training in relevant modelling, device process, and data analysis techniques.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr. Serban Lepadatu.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-20 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Addressing hidden hunger through education and dietary diversification in a marginalised community in Northwest Pakistan.

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Sport & Health Sciences

Reference Number: DTC12-22-23

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Centre for Global Development, within the School of Sport & Health Sciences. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Macronutrient deficiency is widespread in rural Pakistan (UNICEF, 2019), and our recent research has shown that dietary patterns are typically low in micronutrient density, and food insecurity is highly prevalent (Brazier et al., 2022). The proposed project outlined below will be undertaken in partnership with the Abaseen Foundation UK, a UK registered charity and Abaseen Foundation Pakistan, a PK Government registered community organisation.

A community kitchen and kitchen garden at the Mian Gul Model School for girls will soon be established by the Abaseen Foundation in collaboration with UCLan. This facility will serve three vital roles: 1) a nutrition education facility for students attending the school; 2) a demonstration kitchen and nutrition support facility for the community, targeting mothers with young children; 3) vocational cookery training facility for women.

The priorities of the aforementioned community kitchen project are:

• Promoting good nutritional practices, with a particular focus on mothers and children during the ‘1000-day window’;
• Providing micronutrients for young children and their mothers and de-worming drugs for young children;
• Providing micronutrients through food fortification for all (through promotion of the use of biofortified flour).

The aim of the proposed project is to examine the efficacy of implementing nutrition education through the community kitchen, and to improve dietary diversity, thereby improving micronutrient intake. The findings from this PhD will determine whether further such community-based nutrition education projects can/should be implemented in rural Pakistan to improve nutritional status amongst mothers and children, and resilience to future shocks to the food system as seen following the recent floods in Pakistan.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Nicola Lowe.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-23 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Evaluating App-Based Learning with Children Aged 2-8

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in the School of Psychology and Computer Science

Reference Number: DTC12-22-24

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in Child Computer Interaction in the Digital Life Centre at UCLan. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: This is a unique opportunity to work with a commercial app company on a project with small and young children (aged 2 – 8) that will make a lasting difference as to how apps for children are thought about and evaluated. The project is based in the long-established ChiCI group at UCLan, with Lingokids (our collaborator) who make language learning apps for children. This project will explore how different elements in learning apps for children can contribute to long-term learning experiences and will explore how this learning can best be evaluated in ethical and fun ways. Activities within the project will include user studies at homes and schools, diary studies and the use of logged data. Work will mainly be done in the UK, but opportunities will exist for studies in the EU, the US and Mexico. Contributions are expected to include designs for in-app assessment activities suitable for children with a range of skills, a prototype scoring system for the ‘key ingredients’ of successful app-based learning, and validated evaluation methods that can be used in industrial contexts.

We encourage applications from candidates with a broad range of backgrounds – these could include computer science, psychology, education, design, and media. The ideal candidate will be a great team player, comfortable working with small children and in school environments, will have good organisational skills and be able to think fast in changing situations. Most importantly the ideal candidate will be passionate about understanding how best to incorporate digital app-based learning into children’s lives. The project will include time with our commercial partner which will offer opportunities for future careers, and industrial experience, in UX and app development as well as in academic research.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Janet Read.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-24 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Development of an electronic software package that delivers an evidence-based assessment of reading performance using eye movement data

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Psychology and Computer Science

Reference Number: DTC12-22-28

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: In collaboration with Professor David Thomson of Thomson Software Solutions (TSS), Professor Simon P. Liversedge, Dr Hazel I. Blythe and the Ph.D. student on this project will develop an electronic software package that delivers an evidence-based assessment of reading performance using eye movement data acquired via the existing TSS optometry, ophthalmology and orthoptics software portfolio. The reading assessment package will augment existing TSS optometric assessments and will provide a profile of reading performance benchmarked against baseline normative data acquired from existing TSS customers. Professor Thomson, a qualified optometrist and former Head of Department at City University, established TSS in 1995, and has developed the existing eye movement assessment software that is currently used for vision assessment in over 8000 consulting rooms, hospitals and schools.

We will develop a facility to deliver a reading assessment tool to be incorporated into the TSS software portfolio to deliver a reliable and valid measure of online reading performance. The primary focus, initially, will be to develop assessments of basic aspects of reading in English (e.g., assessing word length, frequency and predictability effects, regression rates and other global measures of reading). However, reading development (change with age) and a multitude of additional metrics of reading performance may be examined, meaning there is significant scope for the student to direct research on the project into the future. This project fits neatly with strong and significant research underway in the Perception, Cognition and Neuroscience Group in Psychology at UCLan headed by Liversedge and Professor Linden Ball. Liversedge is an established authority on eye movements and reading. The experimental work from the proposed project will form the basis of high-profile published papers and will offer a direct route to impact.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Simon Liversedge.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-28 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: An integrated development into acute illness diagnostics using temporal changes in facial phenotypes

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Engineering

Reference Number: DTC-12-22-30

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in Computer Vision and Machine Learning (CVML) Research Group, within the School of Engineering. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: The objective of this project is to innovate new methods for analysing facial features and to use this information for non-invasive medical diagnoses. Despite the rich information contained in faces, the complexity of analysing multiple data sources has limited its use. The project will utilise machine learning to analyse facial phenotypes, creating image processing tools to detect and segment faces from colour, depth, and thermal images. The project will also identify features that can track changes in facial phenotypes over time and correlate these changes with vital signs and biomarkers.

In collaboration with Lancaster University and East Lancashire NHS Trust, the project aims to build large datasets that capture facial phenotype, articulation, and other relevant information related to illness. The goal is to overcome diagnostic challenges by detecting acute illnesses through changes in facial phenotypes.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Wei Quan.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC-12-22-30 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Online blade health monitoring technology

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in UCLan Centre for Research in Engineering
(Jost Institute for Tribotechnology)

Reference Number: DTC12-22-33

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship the UCLan Centre for Research in Engineering (Jost Institute for Tribotechnology). The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Most aircraft propulsion depend on turbines generally involving several propellers/fans rotating at very high speed, raising challenges associated with safety, reliability, and lifetime. Rotating blades ultimately fail due to fatigue and stress induced by cyclic blade vibration. In all existing turbo propulsion systems, the application of blade health monitoring (BHM) has been essential, and Blade Tip Timing (BTT) methods are increasingly being implemented for the determination of blade stress and endurance.

The main goal of this project is to develop an innovative health monitoring solution for future propulsion systems based on BTT measurements, contributing to net zero carbon global challenge by reducing unwanted machine failures in service, and supporting the expected quadruple increase in air travel demands by 2050. The research is cross-sector as it is relevant to both aerospace and industrial gas and steam turbines.

The project will be supported by Industry in terms of access to data, rigs, sensors, software, and hardware.

Applicants would be expected to have or develop knowledge in the following areas to conduct the PhD: Dynamics and vibration theory; experimental techniques in vibration testing; programming; and Finite element analysis applied to dynamic analysis. You will be required to communicate with the industrial partners, will have the opportunity to attend multiple international conferences during your PhD and publish your work in scientific journals.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr M. E. Mohamed.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-33 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Forecasting Solar Energetic Particle Risk for Space Weather

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Natural Sciences

Reference Number: DTC12-22-34

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute, within the School of Natural Sciences. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: The Jeremiah Horrocks Institute (JHI, www.star.uclan.ac.uk) at the University of Central Lancashire is currently seeking candidates for a 3.5-year PhD project on Forecasting Solar Energetic Particle risk for Space Weather. The successful candidate will work with the Solar Group at the JHI, as well as with personnel at the Met Office Space Weather Operation Centre (MOSWOC).

Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) are ions and electrons accelerated during solar eruptions, up to relativistic energies. As they reach Earth, they pose a radiation risk to spacecraft instrumentation and humans in space and at aviation altitudes. To mitigate this risk, the Solar Group at JHI has developed a physics-based SEP forecasting tool, SPARX, which uses simulations of the propagation of SEPs in the turbulent interplanetary space to predict their arrival at Earth, and to evaluate the Space Weather hazard they may cause.

The successful candidate will work on developing SPARX to include an improved description of interplanetary turbulence which takes into account SEP propagation perpendicular to the mean interplanetary magnetic field. They will also analyse SEP event observations in order to investigate the significance of different physical processes on the accuracy of the SEP forecasts. The improved model is foreseen to replace the initial version of SPARX installed at MOSWOC, and the successful candidate will participate in the process, interacting with the MOSWOC Space Weather forecasters.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Timo Laitinen.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-34 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Design and Application of Composite Super-Paramagnetic Particles used in Microbial Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Natural Sciences

Reference Number: DTC12-22-37

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in Centre for Smart Materials within the School of Natural Sciences. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: The goal of the PhD thesis shall be to design and utilise Composite Super-Paramagnetic Particles (CSPP) for improved diagnostics of bloodstream infections. Bloodstream infections (BSI) are one of the most critical infections with a high number of cases and deaths worldwide. In Europe a yearly number of 1.2 Mio cases of BSI with 157,000 deaths occur. To prevent a fatal outcome, it is most important to have a rapid identification of the microbial species causing this infection. MALDI TOF MS in combination with the Sepsityper® kit procedure has been shown to be very helpful in this endeavour. In the case of an acute septic shock concluded in a study that “...Each hour of delay in antimicrobial administration over the ensuing 6 hrs was associated with an average decrease in survival of 7.6%...”. Therefore, a further acceleration of time to result in BSI diagnostics can have a life-saving effect for many patients where every minute counts. A long-lasting track record in CSPP exists in the Nano-biomaterials Research Group at UCLan.

The aim of the project is to modify the porosity of already developed CSPP and apply them for the optimization of bacterial / yeast cell growth in the confirmed pores whilst harvesting in blood cultures. Porous CSPP will then be separated from the bloodstream by simple one step magnetic separation to accelerate the time to result and the performance of this diagnostics for slow growing microbes. Thus, leading to a more accurate and faster downstream identification of microbes using MALDI TOF.

Candidate must be willing to travel Bruker, Germany during the duration of the PhD project as a part of industrial collaboration.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Tapas Sen.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-37 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Advanced Artificial Intelligence Decision Support System for Colonoscopy

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in the School of Engineering

Reference Number: DTC12-22-38

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Computer Vision and Machine Learning (CVML) Research Group within the School of Engineering. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: The aim of this project is to research and develop methods for the automatic analysis of images and videos with objectives of detection, segmentation, and categorisation of objects present in the observed scene. The important goal of the project will be to reconstruct 3D information and provide a natural language description of the observed scene. The project will develop new computational methods and their software implementation using computer vision and machine learning methodologies.

The project will build on the results from a recently completed STFC CDN+ funded AIdDeCo project. At the MPhil phase, the objective will be to test methods developed as part of the AIdDeCo (e.g., FCBformer software available on GitHub) at scale on heterogeneous data, therefore progressing it closer to clinical evaluation.

The PhD phase of the project will expand on the results from AIdDeCo. The project will develop innovative visual aids supporting colon examination. These will include 3D structure visualisation as well as navigation tools based on visual odometry techniques. The project will achieve these results by leveraging computational approaches including machine learning methods. For example, for the 3D reconstruction it will build on a non-rigid structure from motion approach, previously developed at UCLan’s Computer Vision and Machine Learning (CVML) group, where a 3D deformable scene is reconstructed from the moving monoscopic camera and implicitly learned scene deformation model. These, together with the automatic polyp detection, segmentation, and categorisation, should be instrumental in reducing risks of polyps being missed during screening.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Prof Bogdan Matuszewski.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-38 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Understanding critical quality attributes of raw materials and formulation process parameters to optimise Biopharmaceutical Drug Product Administration

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

Reference Number: DTC12-22-39

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship within the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences and Centre for Smart Materials. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Modern biopharmaceuticals (e.g. monoclonal antibodies and mRNA vaccines used against COVID (Moderna and Pfizer/Biontech)) rely on addition of lipidic additive materials (excipients) to help ensure quality, safety, and efficacy and to provide for an appropriate shelf life. The regulatory approval bodies for new medicines (e.g. FDA) are increasingly requiring evidence of deeper understanding regarding the impact of complex excipients such as surfactants and lipids on final product quality. Optimisation in this area provides opportunities for improving efficacy and cost savings through improved stability. Many biopharmaceuticals require complex formulation processes, and need to be stored and transported at deep cold temperature during their manufacture/use. This is a disadvantage for their use in developing countries. The project seeks to provide fundamental understanding of the critical quality attributes of lipidic surfactant excipients regarding the formulation, manufacture and storage of biopharmaceutical products. Novel recipes for stabilisation and manufacturing processes will be explored with emphasis on overcoming stresses encountered at near clinical use. The student will receive intensive training within the well-resourced university analytical facility and biophysical laboratory augmented by access to high-resolution state-of-the-art analytics.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Rob Forbes.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-39 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Alternatives to Animal-derived Antibodies for Immunodiagnostic and Research Applications

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Natural Sciences

Reference Number: DTC12-22-40

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the UCLan Centre for Smart Materials (Chemistry Division). The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Animal immunisation is widely used for the development of polyclonal antibodies (pAb) and hybridomas for monoclonal antibody (mAb) production. These antibodies then enter the immunoassay, diagnostic and therapeutic markets in different formats (e.g., purified, conjugated or antiserum), serving test kit industries, private and public-funded laboratories, including veterinary and public health laboratories, and the drug industry. It is an ever-growing multi-billion-dollar market.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a rapidly evolving class of synthetic receptor with antibody-like affinities. They are low-cost, selective, and biocompatible materials. MIPs are produced in one chemical step within hours and are highly stable even at room temperature. This contrasts with biological antibodies which are produced in an immunised animal host, could take months to produce, if produced at all; and have limited stability. MIPs therefore offer multiple advantages as an antibody replacement technology. The potential applications of MIPs are in diagnostics, medical imaging, bioseparation and therapeutics.

The over-arching project objective is to develop a library of MIPs to reduce/replace animal-derived antibodies and enzyme-labelled antibodies in immunoassay formats leading to the development of novel disease and virus neutralisation diagnostics. We anticipate such MIPs will be used in immunodiagnostics for a range of biologically relevant protein-based disease biomarkers such as in cardiac, cancer and autoimmune diseases. The successful candidate will gain experience in a range of materials characterisation techniques including atomic force microscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical techniques. Further, the methods developed will be validated by the DTC student through our collaborations within the antibody industry, NHS diagnostics services, and research institutes focused on preventing and controlling viral diseases.

The successful candidate will have a Chemistry background with a strong interest in the materials chemistry and biological sciences interface.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Sub Reddy.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-40 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Novel method for energy system designs of residential communities with renewable energy generation and storage

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Engineering

Reference Number: DTC12-22-42

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Research Institute for Engineering, within the School of Engineering. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: The concept of sharing excess electricity generation from photovoltaics (PV) with neighbours to increase self-consumption is recently becoming very attractive as a path to large adoption of PV as an electricity source. Furthermore, leveraging diverse demand profiles using large community-scale storage units or distributed storage devices aggregated across a regional group of installations is more promising than stand-alone storage integrated with solar PV for individual houses. Research so far is focused on energy management, with little work conducted on the design of such systems. Specifically, there is a lack of studies where, in the estimation of generation and demand, long-term weather variability is considered.

In the development of national-scale energy system models, the need to account for long-term weather effects has been now widely established, and multiple years of historic weather data series are being used for this purpose. Nevertheless, in the design of these emerging community-scale energy systems of shared generation and storage, this aspect has so far been neglected. However, the use of electric vehicles and the anticipated penetration of domestic heat pumps for heating pose additional challenges since heat pumps require electricity to provide heat and heat is heavily weather dependent.

This project will use recently available re-analysis weather data such as SARAH2, state-of-the-art techniques, and commercial simulation tools with the aim to incorporate long-term year-to-year weather variability in the design of site-specific applications. The student will have the opportunity to use monitored system data and benefit from the experience of Together Housing Association, one of the largest housing associations in North and Midlands, on rooftop PV installations coupled with battery storage and/or heat pumps.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Katerina Fragaki.

For the full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-42 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: Week commencing 01 May
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Mitigation of Phishing Attacks using Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN)

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Psychology & Computer Science

Reference Number: DTC12-22-47

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship, within the School of Psychology & Computer Science. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Phishing attacks became a daily part of our lives nowadays in which people are sent fraudulent links to click by posing them as genuine and committing fraudulent actions like theft of money, installing malware, etc. Detecting and preventing people from getting scammed by these fraudulent actions became very essential because of the danger posed by these attacks. The machine learning algorithms which are available now in the market are short of detecting zero-day phishing attacks and the accuracy in detecting those attacks. This research project is mainly aimed at preventing zero-day phishing attacks with improved true positivity rates using a technique called GAN (Generative Adversarial Networks). GAN is a powerful deep learning technique that has two algorithms in which one generates fake data which is posed exactly like the original data called a generator and the other tries to distinguish the fake and real ones supplied by a generator called a discriminator. Using the GAN, we can generate fake phishing attack links using a generator and test them with the discriminator to see how well it can differentiate between fake and real links. The selection of different features from a URL will help in building a more accurate and robust model that can outperform the current models. The project requires previous knowledge of cybersecurity in various aspects of deep learning, data analytics, and privacy protection. The use of Python language would be a value-added point in implementing the proposed mechanism to make a real-world prototype.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr. Suleman Khan, Prof. Rupak Kharel.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-47 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

 Project Title: Data-driven computational mechanics in fire engineering applications

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Engineering

Reference Number: DTC12-22-54

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Research Centre in Engineering in the School of Engineering. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: The increasing trend of developing and implementing “performance-based” fire safety codes necessitates the use of dedicated fire simulation tools that can be used in a wide field of applications related to building fire safety. Though Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEM) tools can provide a wealth of information, they are usually computationally expensive and have numerous restrictions.

Aiming to significantly reduce the computational cost and use the relevant data, which is available either experimentally or numerically, data-driven techniques will be applied in this PhD project, to predict fire outcomes and evaluate the structural response. The core concept is to make use of the available data, directly in the numerical code.

The implementation of the data-driven approach will be achieved using Machine Learning (ML) methods. To produce accurate predictions at a low computational cost and at increased spread, the aim of this PhD project will be:

1. to develop an ML methodology to be used in fire applications by using surrogate deep ML models, as an alternative to currently available CFD/FEM tools,
2. to identify ML training data and parameters and develop relevant numerical analysis methods,
3. to validate the model using experimental and/or numerical results.

The core concept of this project is to introduce artificial intelligence, in collaboration with conventional and cutting-edge computational mechanics and fire simulation methodologies, towards contributing to the digital monitoring and prediction of the fire and structural response of critical building elements. Recent building and façade fire events clearly depict the current need to use accurate and fast tools as part of the fire engineering study but also during fire events. Development of fast predictive digital models, within the digital-twin framework, will contribute to both the prevention and suppression of unnecessary losses in property and life.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr. Georgios Drosopoulos.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-54 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Deep-seated fires in waste and recycling facilities

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in Engineering

Reference Number: DTC12-22-55

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Engineering Centre, within the School of Engineering. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Recycling is a key component of global efforts to cutting climate-changing carbon emissions. Nevertheless, UK fire and rescue services currently attend around 300 significant fires in within waste and recycling landfills each year. Deep-seated fires are known to occur throughout the UK, e.g., Kiveton Park Industrial Estate in Rotherham (2022) and Sims Metal Management site in Warwickshire (2013). Deep-seated fires are dangerous as they can emit dangerous combustion products from a wide range of materials contained within the landfill such as CO, H₂S, VOCs, dioxins, and furans. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) created the Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) forum in 2009 that set strategic targets to tackle relevant safety concerns. In this framework, WISH funded a series of projects.

The proposed research aims to:

1. Experimental and numerical investigation of deep-seated waste fires from ignition to decay. The effect of humidity and stages of waste will be further investigated.
2. Develop novel technologies that may be able to detect physical, thermal, or chemical phenomena early in a fire’s development, e.g., use of radars to observe density changes, 3D image analysis to observe surface shifts etc.

Characterise relevant risk and see how relevant changes can be made to waste management process and supply of wetting agents to prevent occurrence of such events.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Tony Graham.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-55 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Development of a Solid-State Smart Transformer with Holistic Optimization of Electronic and Magnetic Design

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Engineering

Reference Number: DTC12-22-59

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in Research Centre in Engineering, within the School of Engineering. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Solid State Transformers (SST) defer from conventional transformers by using power electronic devices. This enables SST to work at very high frequencies in the kHz range compared to traditional transformers which work around 50 Hz. This inherently makes SST smaller and cheaper compared to traditional transformers. As a result, they are well suited for electric transportation applications such as electric vehicles and trains, and micro-grids employing renewable energy technologies. However, their widespread use is hampered by the reduced efficiency compared to traditional transformers, further reduction in volume not being possible due to limitations in existing materials, and numerous design challenges at high voltages and switching frequencies. Therefore, this project will investigate techniques to improve the performance of solid-state transformers, such as through the use of novel materials and holistic design techniques involving AI.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Ruchira Yapa.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-59 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Early and Earlier Detection of Cancer: Developing and Evaluating a Spectroscopic Liquid Biopsy for Primary Care

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Medicine and Dentistry

Reference Number: DTC12-22-60

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the School of Medicine and Dentistry. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: A rapid, low-cost cancer early detection test would be transformational, as earlier cancer detection can increase survival rates and quality of life of patients. The Dxcover liquid biopsy has been proven in a large-scale discovery retrospective study for 8 different cancers. The test uses Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms to detect cancer. This project will develop and refine a spectroscopic liquid biopsy in a targeted patient population and address key aims with regards to service implementation. Briefly, this project will assess:

• Current patient pathways for cancer detection from direct GP referrals and the impact of recent changes within NHS England on service delivery (e.g. community diagnostic centres).
• The collection and analysis of patient serum samples from a defined cohort within the analysed patient pathways.
• Development of advanced machine learning algorithms combining spectroscopy and demographic data.
• Health economic analysis targeted to the specific patient pathway.
• Interrogating the IR spectrum to determine areas of diagnostic interest and investigate immune/tumour relationship.

This project will be performed in close collaboration with Dxcover Ltd which is based in Glasgow, UK.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Prof. Matthew Baker.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

For the full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-60 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: The location of self-injury on the body in individuals with and without borderline personality disorder

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in School of Psychology and Computer Science

Reference Number: DTC12-22-61

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the School of Psychology and Computer Science. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (Currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Self-injury is one of the strongest predictors of suicide but can also occur for non-suicidal reasons, with injuries to the wrist, arm, and legs being common. The location of the injury on the body is clinically important and potentially associated with a multitude of psychological processes (e.g., functions of the self-injury) and/or practical factors such as accessibility. Yet, little research has been conducted in this area. This mixed methods PhD aims to examine the clinical and psychological significance of injury location in nonclinical and clinical samples of individuals who self-injure, including those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder/emotionally unstable personality disorder.

The PhD will combine different methodologies, including semi-structured interviews, self-report questionnaires and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Essential criteria for the studentship, therefore, include a good honours degree in Psychology or other relevant subject areas, experience in undertaking qualitative and quantitative research studies, and excellent communication skills. Experience working in clinical psychology/mental health (e.g., supporting individuals who self-injure) is a desirable criterion.

As this studentship is part of a collaboration between the School of Psychology and Computer Science and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the clinical studies must be designed to be clinically useful i.e., to NHS service users and therapists working with individuals with personality disorders. In addition, to facilitate international applicability of the research we have embedded an opportunity to collect data from an international sample and work with a leading international self-injury expert. This studentship therefore requires a strong commitment to working with a range of people to co-produce studies that will produce clinically important and generalisable results.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Kathryn Gardner.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-61 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

 Project Title: Developing and validating the CASEE: Children Adolescent Sexual Exploitation Evaluation

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in the School of Psychology and Humanities

Reference Number: DTC12-22-64

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the School of Psychology and Humanities. The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (currently £17,668 per year), subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description: Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is child sexual abuse. The CASEE is a tool developed (version 1) as a result of UCLan research, looking at the vulnerability and protective factors for CSE, aiming to support professionals working with young people at risk. The focus is to assist professionals with an empirically developed assessment tool, to aid understanding, management and support. The CASEE has 18 vulnerabilities and 9 promotive/protective factor items. It has been developed from various UClan PhD’s, UCLan published work, and is underpinned by the Protect and Vulnerability Model against CSE (PVM:CSE). This model was developed following a UCLan PhD programme of studies, and is now published in a multi-study paper (Alderson et al, 2022). The CASEE has further been informed by research conducted as a result of a UCLan internal grant and is looking to build directly on the UCLan research.

This research project is to develop and validate the CASEE, so it can be effectively and robustly be used by professionals working with children at risk of CSE (e.g. actual risk/suspected). This project will allow further empirical basis and validation. There are currently no validated and robust tools in use.

The successful candidate will be based at CCATS, which is an Adult and Child Therapeutic Service in Poulton-le-Fylde (near Blackpool), and also at the University of Central Lancashire (Preston). As such, this project affords the opportunity to work in both a stimulating university environment, as well as a first-class therapeutic environment. These settings provide unsurpassed clinical and academic support and expertise, robust research and clinical environments, and thriving research student communities which together cultivate research talent and maximise opportunities for professional development.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr. Carol A. Ireland.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-64 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: 25 April 2023
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.

Project Title: Sleep and circadian rhythm in a high-risk psychiatric population: Exploring mechanisms and intervention

PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in the School of Psychology and Humanities

Reference Number: DTC12-22-65

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full-time including an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (currently £17,668 per year) [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International Applicants may apply but EU/International Applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates.

Project Description: Disturbances in sleep and circadian rhythm (SCRD) are bidirectionally linked with a variety of mental disorders, with compelling evidence that SCRD is a causal component and comprised of modifiable risk factors. Despite research advances, the mechanisms linking SCRD to causes and mental health symptoms remain poorly understood. This is particularly germane in severe mental illness (i.e., psychosis) and there are increased levels of externalised behaviours (i.e., self-harm, suicide, aggression). Research has not yet explored links between SCRD and psychosis in high-risk forensic mental health populations. The potential for a positive impact on wellbeing, aggression reduction and symptom reduction is particularly amplified in such a population. Further elucidation of the potential mechanisms that link sleep, circadian rhythm and psychosis in a secure forensic psychiatric population is both timely and necessary.

The multi-faceted project will: assess the nature and prevalence of SCRD in a forensic mental health population; ascertain the feasibility of utilising objective SCRD measures (i.e., polysomnography, actigraphy) with a forensic inpatient sample alongside subjective report; illuminate potential links between SCRD, harmful externalising behaviours and mental health; explore the potential affective and cognitive mechanisms underpinning these associations. Ultimately, the project will implement, and assess the impact of, interventions aimed at treatment for SCRD that may include CBT for insomnia, mindfulness meditation, breathwork, therapeutic light exposure, and virtual reality nature exposure.

The student will be based at Ashworth Hospital (a high-secure NHS forensic mental health inpatient unit near Liverpool) and at the Perception, Cognition and Neuroscience group at UCLan (Preston). Thus, this project affords the opportunity to work in both a stimulating university environment and a world-class forensic mental health care environment. These settings provide unsurpassed clinical and academic support and expertise, robust research environments and thriving research student communities which together cultivate research talent and maximise opportunities for professional development.

Further information

Informal project-related enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Jane L. Ireland.

• How to apply
• Description and specification
• Fees and funding

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-65 on the online application form in the personal statement section. You will not be able to enter the number in the Studentship reference section.

Closing Date: 31 March 2023
Proposed Interview Date: 25 April 2023
Expected Start Date: September 2023

If you are currently studying as a Research student at UCLan, you are not eligible to apply for this research studentship.