PhD Study : Investigating genetic and epigenetic mediators of response to treatment for depression.

Apply and key information  

Summary

Prevalence of mental health problems in student populations worldwide is rising, with data from our own research conducted as part of the WHO International College Student Project, indicating that over half of all students in NI have experienced at least one mental health problem in their lifetime1. Alarmingly, only a small percentage of those reporting mental disorders were willing to seek help from campus-based or other available services1. Recently, internet-based programmes that deliver support online based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have shown promise in treating depression, and could be used to augment existing campus-based services.

As part of an initiative funded by the INTERREG VA Programme, Cross-border Healthcare Intervention Trials in Ireland Network (CHITIN), we have formed an interdisciplinary team with partners in NI, RoI and world-leading collaborators in The Netherlands to test the efficacy of a web-based intervention in improving the symptoms of depression in students. Considerable inter-individual variation is evident in response to psychological interventions for depression. Genetic variability, environmental factors and gene-environment interactions play a role in the aetiology of depression and are potential predictors of response to pharmacological treatment and psychological interventions 2-3.

The aim of this PhD project is to determine whether epi/genetic variability among individuals with depression can be used to predict response to web-based intervention using a personalised medicine approach. The project will provide training in a range of methodologies, including participant recruitment, sample collection, whole genome/methylome analysis, pyrosequencing and bioinformatics, leading to a highly sought after skill set for academic, industry and healthcare settings.

1.McLafferty et al. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188785)

2.Lester and Eley (https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-5380-3-4)

3.Roberts et al. (doi: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32650).

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

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.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 65%
  • Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
  • Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • 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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 18 February 2019
12:00AM

Interview Date
w/c 11, 18 and 25th March 2019

Preferred student start date
September 2019

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Elaine Murray

Other supervisors

  • Dr Coral Lapsley