Applications are now open for a funded (home fees + stipend) PhD starting in October 2025, focusing on the development of an early intervention package for parents of children at risk of anxiety. As the lead researcher, you will help develop accessible, evidence-based support for families who often lack tailored mental health care.

Details of the Project

Summary

Are you passionate about understanding anxiety and developing innovative ways to reduce psychological distress? Are you looking to develop cutting-edge research skills and contribute to advancing psychological interventions?

You will join a dynamic and motivated research team dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities and genetic syndromes. This PhD offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while advancing both your research and clinical expertise.

About the supervisory team

Dr. Jane Waite will be the primary supervisor for this PhD project, based at Aston University. Dr. Waite is a Clinical Psychologist and Academic Researcher with 17 years of experience working with children with intellectual disabilities and their families, leading research that shapes clinical practice and policy.

This PhD is one of three fully funded PhDs within the Cerebra Network , a unique collaborative research initiative spanning Aston University and the Universities of Birmingham, Warwick, and Surrey. The Cerebra Network brings together expertise, resources, and innovation to advance understanding of complex conditions and improve support for individuals and families.

PhD Project Overview

Children with rare genetic syndromes and intellectual disability often experience anxiety, yet evidence-based guidance and specialist NHS provision remain limited. Our previous work has translated research into written guides, digital dissemination, and parent workshops, alongside developing and evaluating parent-mediated interventions.

This PhD will build on our previous work and focus on developing and evaluating a brief parent-mediated intervention aimed at reducing anxiety risk at an early stage of a child’s development. By targeting early indicators, the project will equip families with strategies to support their children proactively. This research will contribute to the development of accessible, tailored interventions.

Applying for this PhD

As part of your PhD application via Aston University’s online application portal, please submit a project proposal (maximum 2 pages) outlining your

planned research in this area. The proposal should:

•          Outline your approach to developing an early intervention for parents of children at risk of anxiety

•          Specify one or more rare syndromes associated with intellectual disability

•          Demonstrate your ability to plan and clearly communicate your study idea

Additionally, your proposal should include an accessible summary (maximum 250 words) aimed at families of children with rare genetic syndromes. This summary should clearly explain the purpose of the research, its relevance to families, and the potential impact of the findings in an engaging and easily understandable manner.

Person Specification

The successful applicant should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) in a relevant subject. Preferred skill requirements include:

• A strong academic background, ideally with a first-class bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or a related field.

• Some experience conducting research with individuals from vulnerable populations and/or their families, or a strong interest in developing this experience.

• Experience working with organisations that support vulnerable groups, whether in a research or professional capacity.

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both in writing and verbally.

• Some experience or interest in sharing research findings, such as through a seminar, conference presentation, or involvement in a publication.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Dr Jane Waite at [email protected] .

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include:

1.   English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.

2.   A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.

3.   A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.

4. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.

5.   Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements . If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.

6.   A copy of your passport . Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Apply for this position here

Alternatively, apply here

Please select “ Research - Health Sciences” from the application form options.

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at [email protected]