Psychology PhD studentship

Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship - Biopsychosocial mechanisms of PTSD and addictions (2024)

The School of Psychology at the University of Sussex is one of the largest and most diverse research-intensive psychology schools in the UK with 70+ academic faculty and 90+ PhD students. We were ranked in the top 10 Psychology Schools in the UK in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF) and 91% of our research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

What you get

  • A stipend for 3 years to cover living costs. The amount is tied to the UKRI studentship rates; for 2023/24 it is £18,622 per year.
  • UK or International fees are covered for 3 years.
  • Research/training costs of £750 per year are also covered for 3 years, and enhanced costs are provided for some neuroscience projects.
  • School-funded Postgraduate Researchers have the opportunity to take up Doctoral Tutoring during your PhD with a range of modules to choose from. This work is paid at Grade 6 which is currently £17.38 per hour, and covers contact time, preparation and marking.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

Trauma exposure and addictions have a well-established connection, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Cue exposure (or cue reactivity) methodology is an experimental procedure commonly used to study several psychopathological behaviours and disorders, particularly addictions and trauma. Furthermore, this methodology can be combined with other approaches such as fMRI, psychophysiology equipment (BIOPAC MP160), observational tools (Noldus Observer XT) or face-recognition software (Noldus Face Reader) to assess how addictions and trauma are linked at different levels.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Pablo Romero-Sanchizp.romero-sanchiz@sussex.ac.uk

Relevant publications:

  • DeGrace, S., Romero-Sanchiz, P., […]. & Stewart, S. H. (2023). Do trauma cue exposure and/or PTSD symptom severity intensify selective approach bias toward cannabis cues in regular cannabis users with trauma histories? Behaviour Research and Therapy, 104387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2023.104387.
  • Atasoy, P., […], Romero-Sanchiz, P., & Stewart, S. H. (2023). Cannabis Coping Motives Might Mediate the Association Between PTSD Symptom Severity and Trauma Cue–Elicited Cannabis Craving. International Journal of Mental Health and Addictionhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-023-01190-z
  • Romero-Sanchiz, P., […], & Stewart, S. H. (2021). Craving and emotional responses to trauma and cannabis cues in trauma-exposed cannabis users: Influence of PTSD symptom severity. Addictive Behaviors125, 107126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107126.

Doctoral Tutor role: 

If you choose to undertake a  Doctoral Tutor role you will receive training and begin teaching in the first term of your studies. You will be encouraged to study for a formal teaching accreditation (Associate of the Higher Education Academy), enrolling on a ‘Starting to Teach’ module in the first term.  

Eligibility

  • Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience or a related discipline.
  • The University of Sussex believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking, pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and the interdisciplinary approach to research and learning. We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background.
  • This award will pay fees at the Home or International rate. International students must move to Sussex for the duration of the PhD and will not be permitted to register as Distance Learners. The studentship does not include additional funding towards the costs of visas or travel to the UK for International students.

Number of scholarships available

One scholarship

Deadline

26 January 2024 23:59

How to apply

  • In the Supervisor suggested by applicant section of your application, put Pablo Romero Sanchiz In the Proposed source of funding section of your application, please put Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship – Pablo Romero Sanchiz- ringfenced

Candidates should provide: 

  • A research proposal that outlines your knowledge of the research area, hypotheses that could be addressed in your PhD, and an outline of potential methods. The scope of the proposed work should be appropriate for a 3-year PhD research programme. The research proposal should be approximately 1,000 to 1,500 words in length and not exceed 3 pages, including references. It should be set at a minimum of 10 font type with margins a minimum of 1cm.
  • Current degree transcript(s) with full details of performance on all completed courses. 
  • Two academic references.
  • An up-to-date CV.
  • A document summarising any teaching experience you have and illustrating your suitability for a Doctoral Tutor role. 

Overseas applicants please read our International Requirements to assist with preparing your application.

Contact us

For queries with respect to the application process please contact:  psychologyphd-enquiries@sussex.ac.uk 

To discuss the details of this project further please contact Dr Pablo Romero-Sanchizp.romero-sanchiz@sussex.ac.uk

Timetable

Deadline for applications: 26 January 2024 23:59.
Interviews likely to take place mid to late February with with notifications expected early March.

Availability

At level(s):
PG (research)

Application deadline:
26 January 2024 23:59 (GMT)

Countries

The award is available to people from these specific countries: