The University of Birmingham are currently advertising 2 x 4-year PhD studentships at the University of Birmingham studying mental wellbeing investments.
Location: Health Economics Unit, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham
Funding: Tax-free stipend starting at £22,859 p/a in year 1 and rising over the course of the PhD
Closing date: July 9th, with interviews on July 21st
Applications are invited for two 4-year Wellcome Trust PhD Studentships starting at the end of September 2021. The appointees will be integral to the Wellbeing Investments in Schools and Employers (WISE) programme; a 4-year Wellcome Trust award held by Prof Hareth Al-Janabi. They will be part of a large post-graduate community in the Institute of Applied Health Research.
The WISE programme of work seeks to establish how schools and workplaces invest resources in mental wellbeing. The research will generate models of decision-making processes, establish how schools and workplaces can be best supported to make equitable and efficient decisions, and develop new research methods for studying investment decisions in organisations.
PhD 1 will focus on studying decision-making in large workplaces. The student will apply ‘process-tracing’ using in-depth primary and secondary policy research, to understand how and why workplaces allocate resources to mental wellbeing. The PhD will be supervised by Prof Hareth Al-Janabi and Dr Rebecca Johnson.
PhD 2 will focus on studying the different viewpoints individuals hold about mental wellbeing investment in schools and workplaces. The student will identify and analyse perspectives using qualitative research and Q-methodology, focusing on perspectives held by workers, policy-makers, and the public. The PhD will be supervised by Prof Hareth Al-Janabi and Dr Sarah-Jane Fenton.
These are excellent opportunities for a doctoral student to work on an innovative Wellcome Trust-funded study on mental wellbeing investments. The appointed students will play an important role in ensuring the programme delivers real research advances. The studentships offer the post-holder the chance to develop policy research skills in an environment where they will be well-supported with training and development opportunities. UK PhD tuition fees are covered.
How to apply
Applications should be directed to Hareth Al-Janabi at h.aljanabi@bham.ac.uk . Please feel free to contact Hareth for an informal chat, prior to applying. To apply, please send:
- A Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
- Names and contact details for two referees;
- A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities and suitability for the studentship;
- Copies of your degree transcripts;
- Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable;
- An example of your academic written work (such as a MSc thesis).
Person Specification
Applicants should have, or expected to get, a strong Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in economics, public policy, or a relevant social science subject. They should have an interest in economics, health and wellbeing, and public policy.