PhD Studentship: Identifying Progression and Patterns of Symptoms in Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Flares
[Fully funded for three years by The Lupus Trust and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity. Funding includes tuition fees at Home-fee rate, an annual stipend for maintenance starting at £21,805 in the academic year 2026/27, and £1,000 per annum to support research training. International applicants must pay the difference between Home and International fee rates.]
This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia focuses on identifying progression and patterns of symptoms in autoimmune rheumatic disease flares, with a particular emphasis on conditions such as lupus. The project aims to improve early recognition of disease flares by identifying warning signs (prodromes) and understanding the type and progression of symptoms. Previous research has highlighted common prodromal symptoms, such as nightmares, and found that flare symptoms are often consistent within individuals but vary between patients.
The research will involve three main components: (1) a literature review on flares and prodromal symptoms; (2) analysis of survey data from over 3,000 patients to investigate symptom patterns and progression; and (3) a prospective mixed methods study co-designed with patients and clinicians, using physiological markers (e.g., heart rate and sleep from wearables), objective tests (e.g., cognitive tests), and patient-reported measures. The student will also help coordinate the international INSPIRE (Investigating Neuropsychiatric Symptom Prevalence and Impact in Rheumatology patient Experiences) research project and collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and patients. There is scope to adapt some elements of the PhD to the student’s interests, and opportunities to join related project teams in long-term conditions.
The primary supervisor is Dr Melanie Sloan, with Professors Guy Leschziner (neurology) and David D'Cruz (rheumatology) serving as clinician advisors. The PhD is funded for three years by The Lupus Trust and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity. Funding includes tuition fees at the UK Home-fee rate, an annual stipend for maintenance starting at £21,805 in the academic year 2026/27, and £1,000 per annum to support research training. International applicants are welcome but must pay the difference between Home and International fee rates.
The training programme covers evidence synthesis, qualitative and mixed methods, statistical analysis (including meta-analysis), intensive longitudinal methods, writing for publication, thesis preparation, dissemination, and personal and professional development. Expected outputs include a thesis, multiple publications, presentations, and evidence to inform clinical practice, with potential for future evaluation studies.
Entry requirements: Applicants should have a good first degree (at least 2:1) in a numerate or health-related discipline and preferably a research or health-based Masters. Motivation and compassion are essential. The position is open to both Home and International applicants, with full-time study starting 1 October 2026. For current fee rates, see the university website.
Application deadline: 31 May 2026. Apply online via the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal. Prepare your CV and supporting documents, and review eligibility and funding details before applying.
