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Clinical PhD and training studentships: 2017 call for applications

The deadline for applications for 2017 has now passed.

In collaboration with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, we are seeking preliminary proposals from clinicians working in relevant fields who wish to integrate rigorous research and academic competencies with their clinical skills.

The scheme aims to provide clinicians with their first steps on the path to becoming leaders in clinical research and education. Applicants may apply for either a three-year PhD studentship or a 12-month MRes research foundation qualification.

Important Dates & Times

Deadline for preliminary application

20/06/2016 5:00 pm

Deadline for full proposals

14/09/2017

Awards made

18/12/2017

Eligible Research

The proposed research may be focused on any form of childhood cancer but we particularly welcome projects investigating solid tumours (including tumours of the CNS). All projects must be in line with at least one of the following objectives:

To improve knowledge of the genetic and environmental causes and relevant biological mechanisms of childhood cancers with a view to developing interventions to reduce the risks of development.

To identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for childhood cancers and develop systems for their introduction to clinical practice.

To optimise and develop more effective and less toxic treatments for children with cancer, with a special focus on those forms of cancer that still carry a poor prognosis and develop mechanisms to introduce them rapidly to practice.

To understand the long-term health implications of childhood cancer and its treatment and explore methods for interventions to reduce their impact.

What is funded

PhD studentships are for three years and include salary costs and additional support of up to £30,000 per annum to support PhD fees, training costs, research costs and attendance at relevant conferences and meetings (capped at £250,000 in total).

MRes grants will include salary costs, academic fees, training costs, research costs and attendance at relevant conference and meetings. The total award is capped at £75,000.

Who can apply?

We invite applications from individuals intending to undertake clinical, survivorship or health service research.
We are looking to support clinicians who are sited in the UK and have completed their foundation training by the closing date of the preliminary proposal (20th June 2017).
The Studentships are typically aimed at Specialist Registrars to provide them with the opportunity to pursue research ideas with the aim of translating them into practice to improve healthcare for paediatric cancer patients.
The PhD or MRes must be registered and supported by a recognised UK Higher Education Institution. The relevant clinical host should also be aware of the application. Early discussions with both hosts are recommended.
Applications are considered on the basis of the applicant’s overall clinical experience, previous research experience and future potential. Applications will be scrutinised for their scientific merit and originality of the research proposal with particular focus on the translation to patient care. The track record of the supervisor(s) and the appropriateness of the research environment will be assessed along with the project.

Application Process

Preliminary application

Preliminary applications are reviewed by our grants panel who will decide which to put through to the second stage.
Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 20th June 2017
Short-listed applicants will be notified towards the end of July.

Deadline for full application

Short-listed candidates are required to submit a detailed application.
Deadline: Thursday, 14th September 2017.

Interviews

Short-listed candidates will also be required to attend for interview in late November 2017.

Awards announced

Awards are announced in December 2017 and the Studentships are expected to commence in 2018.

Application Documents

Studentship call guidelines

Download PhD and Studentships guidelines (PDF)

2017 Clinical PhD and training studenships application form

Download the application form (Word)

Studentship CV template

Download the CV template (Word)

Queries

Neil Meemaduma – 020 7404 0808

research@childrenwithcancer.org.uk

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