PhD in Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation and Clinical Toolkit Development at Northumbria University

Northumbria University is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on developing a clinical toolkit and outcome measures to address turning impairment in people with Parkinson’s disease. The project aims to improve mobility and reduce falls, which are significant risks for individuals with Parkinson’s, particularly during turning movements. The research will involve designing, validating, and disseminating an outcome measure for turning, as well as co-designing a toolkit for healthcare professionals to enhance physiotherapy care for turning in Parkinson’s disease. The project is structured in three phases: conducting a systematic review of current outcome measures, surveying and interviewing healthcare professionals to identify key elements for the toolkit, and co-designing and disseminating the toolkit. The successful candidate will join the Physiotherapy Innovation Laboratory, a multidisciplinary team with a strong track record in Parkinson’s rehabilitation research, and will have opportunities to develop research skills, publish findings, and attend national and international conferences. Collaboration with regional clinical partners is also a key component of the project. The supervisory team includes Dr Rosie Morris (Associate Professor and NIHR Advanced fellow), Dr Julia Das (Post-doctoral research fellow), Dr Gill Barry (Associate Professor), and Dr Sarah Audsley (Assistant Professor), all based at Northumbria University. The team brings expertise in Parkinson’s disease, digital health, falls prevention, neurological rehabilitation, and clinical biomechanics. Applicants should have a strong academic background (2:1 or equivalent, with preference for 1st class honours or Merit at Masters level), appropriate English language qualifications, and a commitment to full-time or part-time campus-based study. International applicants must meet UK immigration and language requirements. The studentship covers a full stipend at UKRI rates (£20,780 per year for 2025/26 full-time) and full tuition fees, with part-time options available for Home students. Additional costs such as the Immigration Health Surcharge and English language testing are not covered. To apply, candidates should submit an application via the Northumbria University postgraduate research portal, including a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference. The deadline for applications is 23 January 2026, with the course starting on 1 October 2026. For informal queries, contact Dr Rosie Morris at [email protected]. Northumbria University is committed to diversity and inclusion, holding several awards and recognitions for equality and researcher development.