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University of Birmingham

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PhD Studentship: Stress—The Good, The Bad, and Its Impact on Mental Health University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Neuroscience

Funding

Available

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Birmingham

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Keywords

Neuroscience
Questionnaire Development
Biomarker Research
Psychology
Biology
Hair Analysis
Neuroimaging
Health Science
Causal Inference
Stress Management
Applied Behavior Analysis
Stress Biology
Transfusion Medicine
Psychosocial
Stress Response
Mental Illness
Emotional Health
Salivary Diagnostics
Early Intervention
Urinalysis

About this position

[PhD studentship funded by BBSRC through the Midlands Integrated Biosciences Training Partnership; includes full funding in partnership with several universities.] This PhD studentship at the University of Birmingham, funded by BBSRC through the Midlands Integrated Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP), investigates the dual nature of stress—its positive and negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing. While moderate, short-lived stress can enhance alertness, performance, and memory by strengthening neural connections, chronic or severe stress can lead to burnout, overwhelm, and adverse health outcomes. The project aims to pinpoint the threshold at which stress transitions from beneficial to harmful, with the goal of informing interventions for stress-related mental illnesses. Drawing on the supervisor’s expertise, the research will employ a range of methodologies including biomarker assessment (using blood, urine, saliva, and hair samples), structural and functional neuroimaging, and comprehensive questionnaire and behavioural assessments.

This approach will provide a unique biopsychosocial perspective on the causal inference of stress effects on health. The studentship is offered in partnership with several leading UK universities, including the University of Warwick, Aston University, Harper Adams University, Coventry University, and the University of Leicester. Applicants should have a strong academic background in psychology, neuroscience, biology, or medical science, and an interest in stress research and related methodologies.

Full funding is available, and the application deadline is 27 November 2025. For further details about the programme, visit the MIBTP and University of Birmingham partnership pages. Applications must be submitted via the university’s online portal using the unique MIBTP link provided.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good undergraduate degree (typically a 2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline such as psychology, neuroscience, biology, or medical science. Experience or interest in stress research, biomarker assessment, neuroimaging, or behavioural methods is desirable. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers, as per university guidelines.

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Professors

at University of Birmingham

University Name
Country flag

United Kingdom

Research Interests

Neuropsychology

Psychiatry

Psychology

Affective Neuroscience

Autism Spectrum Disorder