Summary

Background

In the UK and Ireland, an aging population are increasingly living with multiple long-term health conditions (MLTCs). Along with increased prevalence of depression in young people and people of working age, those with MLTCs have added considerable pressure on GP practices and community pharmacies, and increased waiting times for patients.

Adverse drug events (ADEs) frequently occur in those with multiple long-term health conditions who are taking multiple medications and are thought to account for 1 in 6 hospital admissions in the UK.

Common variations in our genes can impact how we break down prescribed medications in our bodies (aka pharmacogenes) and this can be a key factor in how much benefit we get from treatments.

These variations also influence how likely we are to develop side effects or ADEs. Most of the Irish and UK population (85-90%) are estimated to have at least one actionable pharmacogene, which could improve prescribing efficacy and safety [1].

Pharmacogenomic-guided (PGx) prescribing may reduce ADE risk by 30% [2].

Aims

This PhD project will address knowledge gaps in:

1. Pharmacist and public perceptions and understanding of pharmacogenomics in Northern IreIand (NI).
2. The incidence of pharmacogene-driven medication side effects and ADEs in NI and UK populations.
3. Longitudinal analysis of PGx prescribing’s impact on ADEs and quality of life in NI.

Methods used and Skills needed:

1. Survey design and data analysis to gain perspectives on PGx prescribing from the general public and pharmacists in NI GP practice and community pharmacy contexts.
2. Bioinformatic and statistical analysis of a) Our Future Health [3] and b) Yellow Card Biobank [4] data sets for pharmacogene and index disease associations with ADEs.
3. Bioinformatic and statistical analysis of data from the iMPROVE project [5] for pharmacogene-associated changes in side effects and ADEs, after a PGx prescribing intervention.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Medicine, 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.

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

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 70%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (approximately) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

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.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available to home candidates, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.