PhD studentship funded by Kidney Research UK

PhD studentship funded by Kidney Research UK
Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for a PhD studentship funded by Kidney Research UK:

Clinical management of those with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) focuses on prevention of cardiovascular outcomes. However, the association of CKD with increased mortality is not only driven by cardiovascular deaths, but also by non-cardiovascular deaths. Recent studies show that CKD is associated with a higher risk of bloodstream infections and severe pneumonia, but there are limited data on the epidemiology of infections in CKD patients. Amongst CKD patients those who have diabetes are at particularly high risk of infections. The aim of this project is to describe the burden of infections in older people with diabetes and CKD, risk factors and outcomes of these infections. The project will use large linked UK datasets of hospital, general practice and mortality records. Supervisors: Dr Dorothea Nitsch and Dr Sara Thomas

Applicants should have a masters degree in Epidemiology (passed with very good grades). We also require excellent quantitative skills, proven ability to manage very large data sets using STATA, a meticulous approach and excellent writing skills. You should have an interest in the epidemiology of infectious diseases in older people with diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom. Experience of working with UK population-based data on infectious diseases would be desirable.

The studentship will start on 1st September 2011 and is funded for 3 years. UK-level fees will be paid in addition to an annual stipend of £15,740. Closing date: 16th May 2011. Interviews: 9th June.

For full details of how to apply, please see the School's website:
www.lshtm.ac.uk/prospectus/funding/kruk.html