Applications are invited for this Cancer Research UK-funded CanTest 4 year PhD studentship from individuals with a strong academic record who wish to develop a career in primary care cancer research. Awards will normally be taken up in October 2018 but could start in April 2018.
The goal of the Cambridge Primary Care Unit is to reduce the burden of ill health by identifying and targeting the behaviours that lead to chronic disease, by improving early detection of illness, and by improving the delivery of health services in community settings. We aim to achieve this by delivering research and education at the highest international standards of excellence. CanTest is an international collaborative, aiming to develop strategies that explore and accelerate improvement in cancer outcomes nationally and internationally through the transformative implementation in primary care of triaging and testing approaches to support early detection of cancer (www.cantest.org ).
Dr Fiona Walter (Cancer group) and Prof Stephen Sutton (Behavioural Science) will co-supervise the thesis, which will explore the cognitive, behavioural and cultural factors influencing decision-making and informed choice about diagnostic testing strategies for cancer in primary care and their impact on patient safety. It will draw on research exploring determinants of behaviour and decision-making related to the risk and uncertainty of undertaking selected diagnostic strategies in primary care. Our national and international colleagues will provide additional expertise. The student will study a candidate technological, biomarker or imaging test, or a combination of approaches comprising a diagnostic testing strategy.
Applicants must have a first degree in a relevant discipline, and will be expected to complete a PhD during the award period. The academic requirements are at least a 2i honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent standard from an overseas university: a Masters in a relevant subject would be preferred. Students must be defined as “Home” or “EU” for fee purposes to be eligible to apply for this award. Studentship awards include fees and an annual tax-free stipend normally of £16,000.
Enquiries: Dr Fiona Walter – fmw22@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Applications should include:
- A CV including full details of all University courses taken with date, with grades if available.
- The names and contact details of two academic or clinical referees.
- A covering letter (up to 500 words) explaining why you wish to be considered for this particular studentship, what you will bring to the project and listing any relevant research (and clinical) experience to date.
Applications to be sent to Frances Cater, Unit Coordinator, Primary Care Unit – pcupa@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Closing date – 15th December 2017, Interviews 18th December 2017
Please quote reference RH14080 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.