PhD Study : COVID-19 and mental health: investigating biological mechanisms and consequences of the pandemic

Summary

​The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020 following a significant rise in cases globally. By late March, the Irish and UK governments had imposed measures to mitigate the transmission of the virus, resulting in the closure of schools, universities, and non-essential businesses. Although beneficial in slowing the spread of infection, the restrictions have caused considerable social and economic disruption (Nicola et al., 2020). Fear around contracting COVID-19, increased unemployment, financial losses, and social isolation have caused concern regarding the impact on mental health. Preliminary, cross-sectional findings from around the globe indicate a high prevalence of mental health concerns in response to COVID-19, particularly in the initial stages of the pandemic (Wang et al., 2020), although few longitudinal studies have been conducted to date. However, as part of the Student Psychological Intervention Trial, we recently reported a significant increase in depression, but a decrease in anxiety in students based on data collected pre-pandemic in Autumn 2019 and during the pandemic in Autumn 2021 (McLafferty et al., 2021).

In addition to the mental health consequences of the pandemic there is also evidence to suggest that there is interaction between COVID-19 infection and psychiatric symptoms. Adults with pre-existing mental health conditions appear to be at greater risk of death and hospitalisation from COVID-19 than the general population. Increased incidence of first diagnosis of psychiatric disorders has also been reported in the 90 days following covid infection (Wang et al, 2021) and mental health symptoms are included as a core component of the long-covid syndrome, with evidence suggesting that severity of COVID-19 correlates with increased risk of poor mental health outcomes. A post-mortem study revealed that the main effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain is through inflammation, but the mechanisms are still not well established (Matschke et al., 2020).

This project will use data and biological samples from the SPIT and COVRES studies to investigate the complex relationship between the global pandemic, COVID-19 infection, and mental health conditions. This clinical research project will involve a wide range of cutting-edge statistical modelling, molecular and biochemical techniques including DNA methylation analysis and microbiome profiling methods used previously (Lapsley et al., 2020; Wingfield et al., 2021).

We are seeking a candidate with laboratory experience, a good working knowledge of molecular biology and expertise in bioinformatic analyses who can work well as part of an interdisciplinary team. A background degree in biomedical sciences, personalised medicine, molecular biology, neuroscience, genetics, or related subjects is required.

Please note: Applications for more than one PhD studentships are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living