The Project
A PhD studentship focusing on psychosocial factors in chronic pain is available at the Bath Centre for Pain Research at the University of Bath (BCPR; https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-centres/centre-for-pain-research-cpr/). Starting in the Autumn of 2023 in the Department of Psychology, it would be under the lead supervision of Prof. Keogh, Prof. Eccleston (Health) as co-supervisor.
The studentship will closely align with two current areas of work within the centre. One area is on the effect of pain on cognition. For example, we have previously shown that pain influences executive functioning, and there is scope to explore how pain, affect pain-related interference in everyday function. A second area is on the interpersonal context of pain, and to consider the effect other people can have on a person’s pain. For example, how methods of verbal and non-verbal communication affect people with pain. The studentship could focus on one, or both, of these areas.
Within the studentship there are opportunities to utilise different research methods, including experimental cognitive and behavioural approaches, observational and laboratory-based techniques, as well as a possibility to explore existing large multi-wave cohort datasets. There is also a possibility of including digital data capture methods, such as sensors.
Depending on direction taken, the studentship could also be linked to the work the BCPR is currently conducting within the CRIISP project (Consortium to Investigate Individual, Interpersonal and Social influences in Pain, https://criisp.uk/), which is funded under the Advanced Pain Discovery Platform (APDP) programme by UKRI and Versus Arthritis.
Preferred start date – 02/10/2023
Interviews – scheduled for 27th April 2023
Application criteria
Undergraduate qualifications – a First (1st) or Upper Second Class Honours degree (2:1) in Psychology or equivalent.
Postgraduate qualifications – a relevant master’s degree or appropriate research training is preferred.
Enquiries and Applications
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Prof Edmund Keogh (pssemk@bath.ac.uk)
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form IPP login screen (bath.ac.uk) for a PhD in Psychology clearly stating the name of the project.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a short (2-3 page) proposal outlining their interests/experience, relevant background literature, key research questions, and an indication as to a possible direction for the research to take, including methods.
