UCL INSTITUTE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & HEALTH CARE

The MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing (MRC LHA), an international centre for life course epidemiology and statistical methods, investigates biological, psychological and social factors across life that affect ageing, in order to inform policy and improve human health in later life. Our research is based on the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD), the longest running birth cohort study in the world, with data on 5,362 British men and women since their birth in March 1946. The 23rd follow-up, completed in 2011 at age 64 years, includes new measures of cardiac, vascular and metabolic function, bone density and body composition, as well as repeated measures of health and life circumstances.

MRC LHA is offering one 3-year doctoral fellowship in life course epidemiology and ageing. Applications are invited from suitably qualified graduates with an MSc in epidemiology or a related discipline. Projects cover a wide range of topics, are multidisciplinary, and may include other cohort studies as well as NSHD. Research projects include life course approaches to:

· Cardiovascular, cognitive, musculoskeletal and reproductive ageing;

· Mental health, wellbeing and quality of life;

· Healthy ageing, frailty and disability

· Social and gender differences in health and ageing;

Motivated candidates with experience of survey data, working in an interdisciplinary team, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills will be at an advantage.

MRC LHA is a Research Group within the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care in the Faculty of Population Health Sciences at University College London. Further information on the MRC LHA can be found at www.nshd.mrc.ac.uk, and information on the UCL Graduate training programme can be found at http://courses.grad.ucl.ac.uk/

The studentship will cover home fees and full stipend for three years.

Eligibility: Please note the eligibility residence criteria that must be met at: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Applicanthandbook/Studentships/Eligibility/index.htm

Applicants should have recently graduated with a first or upper second class honours degree.

If you wish to discuss the topic please contact Stephanie Armstrong (s.armstrong@nshd.mrc.ac.uk) or 020 7670 5706. If you wish to know about the research environment or have general questions on studying within the Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health please contact the Graduate Tutors, Dr Anne McMunn (a.mcmunn@ucl.ac.uk +44 20 7679 1730) or Dr Annie Britton (a.britton@ucl.ac.uk +44 20 7679 5626). Travel costs will be reimbursed up to the equivalent of the most economical train/air fare available within the UK.

Applications should include a CV, an indication of the topic for which the candidate is applying, and a statement of research experience and interests. Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at https://ext.ssc.rcuk.ac.uk and complete an online application form.  Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867003. Please quote reference number IRC52328.

Closing date: 13 May 2012 Interviews are likely to be held in the week beginning 21st May 2012.

Final appointments will be subject to a pre employment screening

‘Leading Science for Better Health’

The Medical Research Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer