The School of Life and Medical Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire invites applications for a funded PhD studentship in the area of equality and diversity in health professions. The PhD will align to the ‘Bridging the Gap’ project which is being co-ordinated by the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) alongside other groups nationally (see link below). Indicative topic areas may include, but are not limited to, diverse healthcare workforce retention and progression, psychological well-being, the role of intersectionality in professional identity and career lifecycle. The PhD will be supervised by Dr Shivani Sharma, Dr Indranil Chakravorty, and Professor Kam Bhui CBE. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to progress a career in research relevant to the health sector, workforce, and differential outcomes.

Bridging the Gap Series: https://www.bapio.co.uk/differential-attainment-in-healthcare-professionals/

The three-year studentship includes an annual tax-free stipend of £15,285 (standard RCUK rate) in academic year 2020-21 (uprated annually) and fees. Given the nature of funding that has been made available for this studentship, the appointed candidate will need to be able to take up this opportunity from 1^st April 2021.

The PhD will be located within the Centre for Health Services and Clinical Research. It will draw on a range of research methods including quantitative and qualitative approaches. We welcome applications from graduates from a broad range of disciplines within our School, typically with a good degree (2.1 or higher) who can evidence capacity for mixed-methods. A relevant Master’s degree and research experience will be an advantage, although opportunities for further training will be available, for example through our Researcher Development Programme.

Successful candidates will be expected to do some teaching or project supervision, not to exceed an average of 6 hours per week, for which training will be provided.

For an application pack, please email Dr Shivani Sharma (s.3.sharma@herts.ac.uk) using the subject line “LMS PhD Studentship application”. You can also contact Shivani for enquiries about the PhD itself.

The closing date for applications is 11^th March 2021. It is expected that interviews will take place on 15^th March.

About Us: Our research environment is enriched by the diversity of our staff and students and we take a responsible approach towards further progressing inclusivity. Overall, 35% of postgraduate research students within our School identify with a minority ethnic heritage; 65% self-identify as females; and 16.4% have declared a disability. We recognise that subject level trends differ and that nationally, there is much more to be achieved in addressing diversity in the pipeline to success in a research career. That is why we wholeheartedly encourage applications from people who identify with a protected characteristic; those from areas with traditionally low participation in higher education; and people who are the first from their family to study at University.

Visit: https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/schools-of-study/life-and-medical-sciences