Applications are open for a funded PhD studentship at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), jointly funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS), exploring why some women are less likely to take up cancer screening.
The project, Using Linked Data to Explore Risk Factors for Low Uptake of Cancer Screening in Women in Southeast England, will use linked health and care data, evidence review and qualitative research to understand inequalities in screening uptake and inform targeted action.
The 3.5-year studentship will be based in the Department of Primary Care and Public Health at BSMS, with the successful applicant expected to start in January 2027.
Understanding who is missing out on screening - and why
Cancer screening programmes help prevent thousands of deaths each year in England, but uptake is not equal. This PhD will focus on women in Southeast England and explore how factors such as deprivation, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ status, long-term conditions, severe mental illness and geography may affect participation.
About the research
The PhD will include:
- Evidence review of inequalities in NHS cancer screening uptake.
- Linked data analysis using national or local datasets.
- Qualitative research with high-risk groups to understand barriers and develop practical recommendations.
The project may use sources such as the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and the Sussex Integrated Dataset, with public and community involvement central to the qualitative research.
Research environment and support
The successful applicant will join BSMS’s Department of Primary Care and Public Health and the ARC KSS regional network of applied researchers.
They will benefit from knowledge mobilisation expertise, public and community involvement support, training opportunities, the ARC KSS PhD peer cohort, the ARC KSS Academy and the NIHR Academy.
Who can apply?
The studentship is suitable for applicants with a background in medical statistics, public health, epidemiology, psychology, health data science or another relevant subject, with strong statistics training.
Applicants should have, or be on track for, a relevant undergraduate degree with at least a 2:1 or equivalent. A master's degree is preferred but not essential.
Funding and how to apply
The studentship covers home tuition fees, a stipend at the current UKRI rate and a research allowance. International applicants are welcome but will need to cover the difference between Home and International fees.
Applications close on Friday 4 September 2026. Interviews are expected in September or October 2026.
Informal enquiries can be sent to Dr Elizabeth Ford at
For further details, including how to apply, can be found on the BSMS website.
