PhD Studentship: Identifying and Understanding Inequalities in Breast Cancer Treatment (Multi-Methods) University of Surrey in United Kingdom

[Home fees, UKRI Standard Stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26 academic year), and Research Training Support Grant available for 3 years.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Surrey offers an exciting opportunity to investigate and address inequalities in breast cancer treatment through a multi-methods approach. Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in the UK, and disparities in treatment receipt, time-to-treatment, and adherence to national guidelines persist, particularly among marginalised groups. Despite the significance of these issues, there is limited research exploring the extent and causes of such inequalities.

The studentship aims to: (1) identify which marginalised groups experience inequalities in treatment receipt, time-to-treatment, and adherence; (2) assess differences in cancer care experience and their role in mediating treatment inequalities; and (3) understand the mechanisms by which these differences and wider factors contribute to treatment disparities. The research will be conducted in three studies: the first two will use matched studies and linked datasets (including the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Hospital Episode Statistics, Cancer Registry, and the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey) to quantitatively assess treatment and care experience differences. The third study will employ qualitative interviews with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals to explore underlying mechanisms.

Supervised by Dr Robert Kerrison and Professor Katriina Whitaker, the successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team collaborating across the University of Surrey, UCL, Northumbria University Newcastle, and Royal Marsden Hospital. The project will provide training in epidemiology, data science, behavioural science, and health psychology, equipping the student with a broad skill set for future research careers.

Funding covers home fees, a UKRI standard stipend (£20,780 for the 2025/26 academic year), and a Research Training Support Grant for three years. The position is open to candidates eligible for UK/home rate fees, with a preferred background in health sciences and experience in either quantitative or qualitative analysis (with willingness to learn the other). Strong communication and project management skills are essential.

The studentship is set to begin in April 2026, with an application deadline of 29 December 2025. Applications should be submitted via the Health Sciences PhD programme page, with a document stating the project title and supervisor's name in place of a research proposal. For further information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Robert Kerrison.