Understanding the sociotechnical aspects of health data sets at University of Southampton

Start date: 25/09/2023

Closing date: 30/08/2023

Project description:

Are you interested in how society impacts technology which in turn impacts society? How would you explore what is needed for a trusted and trustworthy learning healthcare system? The NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) in conjunction with the NIHR BRC University College London has an opportunity for a funded PhD encompassing qualitative and quantitative approaches, working at the interface of data-driven algorithms for medical care and sociotechnical research. The project involves analyzing datasets for perioperative care, to identify participant groups that may be underserved. This data will then be used to explore shared decision-making, identify how to change the digital landscape as well as helping the NHS make optimal use of resources.

Working within the Southampton BRC, the project sits within a world-leading digital ecosystem centred around translating cutting-edge tools and technologies to improve patient outcomes. The University of Southampton boasts a nationally leading compute cluster, Iridis. The University Hospital Southampton is recognised as a global digital exemplar. We are seeking a talented individual to both analyze data and perform qualitative research to understand underlying factors. You will be motivated to apply either your existing technical skills in computing, science or mathematics or your significant qualitative skills to achieve the projects goals, while being willing to learn new skills as the need arises. You may have experience in working with large datasets, or using computational approaches to solve problems, or practice with qualitative methodologies.  Your multidisciplinary supervisory team will be led by Dr Lisa Ballard and Professors Age Chapman and Mike Grocott, leaders in their respective fields of digital health and perioperative care.

The successful candidate is likely to have the following qualifications:

• A 1^st or 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters (from either a qualitative or quantitative background), interest in exploring how society affects our digital footprint, and how that impacts data-driven analysis, able to meet University of Southampton person specification for PhD candidates.
• Desirable: Masters qualification, or equivalent in a relevant field, experience of working with large data sets or experiencing of designing and executing qualitative research

Funding information:

Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK applicants.

This PhD studentship is funded for 4 years stipend and 3.5 years up to and including nominal registration by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre.

Amount of stipend £18,622.00 plus fees at UK residency rate only.

Administrative contact and how to apply:

Please complete the University’s online application form, which you can find at

https://student-selfservice.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=7203&majr=7203&term=202324

You should enter Dr Lisa Ballard as your proposed supervisor. To support your application provide an academic CV (including contact details of two referees), official academic transcripts and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date).

Informal enquiries relating to the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Dr Lisa Ballard (L.Ballard@soton.ac.uk).