Fully-Funded PhD Studentship: Investigating Speech Sound Development and Disorder in At-Risk Populations Cardiff Metropolitan University in United Kingdom

Cardiff Metropolitan University invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on investigating speech sound development and disorder in at-risk populations, specifically children born preterm and those with cleft palate. This opportunity is based within the Centre for Speech Hearing and Communication Research in the Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, offering access to the Specialist Speech Clinic and dynamic collaborations with clinical and academic teams, including the Bristol Speech and Language Therapy Research Unit.

The project aims to explore how preterm birth and cleft palate affect the development of speech sounds from infancy through early childhood. Research activities may include longitudinal data collection, acoustic analysis of early vocalisations, parent-infant interaction studies, statistical analysis, and collaboration with neonatal units and early intervention services. The supervisory team, led by Dr Sam Burr, is highly experienced and engaged in high-profile, government-funded child development research across Wales and the UK.

Potential research questions include identifying early predictors of later speech and language difficulties in preterm infants and children born with cleft, understanding the interaction of biological, environmental, and social factors in speech sound development, and examining speech sound development in bi- and multilingual families. The project is designed with a pathway to clinical impact within five years of completion.

Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 or equivalent degree in speech and language therapy, psychology, linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, or a related field. Essential skills include excellent written and verbal communication, time management, project management, multidisciplinary teamwork, independent initiative, and research experience with data analysis. Desirable skills include experience with speech data analysis, phonetics, developmental speech assessments, statistics, early-intervention methodologies, familiarity with longitudinal or mixed methods designs, and clinical experience with relevant child populations.

The studentship is fully funded for three years, covering tuition and stipend, subject to satisfactory progress. Cardiff Metropolitan University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and offering accommodations for disability and support needs.

To apply, submit a CV (with academic transcripts), contact details for two academic referees, a personal statement outlining your research interests and suitability for the project (max 1 page), and an outline of your research proposal (max 2 pages including references) by email to [email protected]. The research proposal should align with the project theme and include a brief literature review. The application deadline is March 31, 2026, with interviews scheduled for April 2026 and an anticipated start date of September 1, 2026. Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be directed to Dr Sam Burr at [email protected].