PhD Studentship in Diabetes and Cancer Studies - University College London

Diabetes UK PhD Studentship

Quantifying the associations between diabetes and cancer incidence and mortality

Division of Population health

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Obesity, which has doubled since 1993, increases the risk of several cancers. Diabetes, itself increased by obesity, has been linked with some cancers but evidence is sparse. Diabetes UK has funded a three-year studentship to assess the relationship between diabetes (both diagnosed disease and raised blood sugar) with cancer incidence and mortality, using one of the world's largest datasets of health examination surveys of nationally-representative samples, linked to mortality and cancer registry data (Health surveys for England and Scottish Health Surveys). The planned interdisciplinary supervisory panel will be Drs Mindell and Shelton with Profs Marmot and Hochhauser.

Applications are invited from graduates in appropriate subjects or with related experience who have a strong interest in public health and epidemiology. Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a first or upper second class degree. An MSc in a relevant subject would be an advantage. Expressions of interest are invited and should be addressed to Dr Jennifer Mindell (j.mindell@ucl.ac.uk).

This studentship will be housed within the Health and Social Surveys Research Group in the Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, within the Division of Population Health. There are about 45 PhD students currently working in the Department. The Division offers a unique environment to those wishing to undertake interdisciplinary study and gain exposure to research within departments pursuing a highly acclaimed international research agenda. The Division houses five Research Departments, namely the Centre for Health Informatics and Multi-professional Education, Epidemiology and Public Health, Primary Care and Population Health, Mental Health Sciences, and Infection and Population Health.

Eligibility: This opening is for a three-year Diabetes UK research studentship. Diabetes UK studentships cover EU fees only. Applications from EU and overseas students are encouraged as, subject to a separate application process (deadline 1/3/09), alternative UCL Graduate Scholarships could cover overseas fees.
The studentship will cover EU fees and full stipend for three years. The stipend for 2009/10 is £15,000 pa, rising to £15,500 in year two and £16,000 in year three.

Applications: Applications should include a CV and a statement of research experience and interests and must include a clear indication of your likely fee status. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please include a contact telephone number and an email address. Applications should be addressed to: Ms Floriana Bortolotti, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT (f.bortolotti@ucl.ac.uk).

If you wish to discuss the topic please contact Dr Jennifer Mindell (j.mindell@ucl.ac.uk). If you wish to know about the research environment or have general questions on studying at UCL please contact the Graduate Tutors, Dr Yvonne Kelly (020 7679 5638, y.kelly@ucl.ac.uk) or Professor Richard Watt (r.watt@ucl.ac.uk, 020 7679 1699).

Application deadline: Midday Wednesday 4th February 2009. Interviews are likely to be held in the week of 9th February, with candidates contacted immediately after the application deadline. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend the Departmental Graduate Recruitment Open Day on 27th January 2009: full details on http://www.ucl.ac.uk/epidemiology/students/index.htm.