Overview
We are offering an exciting fully funded PhD opportunity to join the SMaRT-PD project within the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University. SMaRT-PD is an innovative research initiative focused on designing a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) to help people with Parkinson’s disease manage and monitor their symptoms more effectively.
What will you do?
As a PhD researcher, you will:
- Conduct user research and usability studies to evaluate the users experience with SMaRT-PD.
- Apply HCI and interaction design methods to refine the CDSS interface and functionality.
- Work closely with patients, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies to improve the tool’s usability.
This project is focused on making a real-world impact by improving digital health tools for people with Parkinson’s.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for enthusiastic and driven individuals from backgrounds such as
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Interaction Design and Usability Engineering
- Psychology and Cognitive Science
- User Experience Research
If you love problem-solving, have strong analytical skills, and are excited about the intersection of technology, healthcare, and user experience, we encourage you to apply!
About Us: The ‘Brain and Movement (BAM) Research Group‘ are based at the Clinical Ageing Research Unit (CARU), a translational clinical research facility jointly run and managed by Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and also at The Catalyst.
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually Human Computer Interaction or Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Statistics, Psychology, Anthropology, but please get in touch if you think your qualification may be relevant). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. Ideal applicants would have experience conducting User experience research and have some proficiency working with programming languages.
The studentship covers fees at the Home rate. However, international/EU applicants will be considered. Successful international/EU candidates will be required to make up the difference between home fees and international fees.
English Language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with 5.5 or more in each sub-skill.
How To Apply
You must apply through the University’s Application Portal: https://applyto.newcastle.ac.uk/
In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in ‘Type of Study’, ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2025’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8440F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT)’, and save selection.
Here’s how to submit your application:
Personal Statement: Either upload your document or enter your statement directly into the ‘Personal Statement’ section.
Studentship Reference: Make sure to include the code ‘TC113’ in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
Research Proposal:
- Submit a 2-page research proposal showcasing your experience in digital health, HCI, or user research.
- Supporting Documents: You should upload a covering letter and CV.
Contact Details
