Job Description: The objective of this project is to determine the role of peripheral and central factors in determining the occurrence of chronic pain in patients with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA). The studentship is due to start October 2010, providing full support for tuition fees, associated research costs and an annual tax free stipend of £13, 590. Applicants must be UK/EU nationals due to the nature of the funding.
Radiographic osteoarthritis of the knee affects one in three men and women aged 65 years and older. However many affected individuals do not have pain and the cause of pain in those with osteoarthritis is unclear. Peripheral structural factors are important, including the presence of bone marrow lesions, although many affected patients do not have these features. Central pain mechanisms may be involved; patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli. In addition, psychological and psychosocial factors are known to be associated with the experience of pain and may moderate the effects of both peripheral and central inputs in determining the occurrence and persistence of pain in individuals with osteoarthritis.
This project will seek to determine the role of peripheral and central factors in determining occurrence of chronic pain in patients with radiographic knee OA. It will assess whether these relationships are moderated by cognitive, psychological and psychosocial factors, determine the links between peripheral and central factors and the response of pain to therapy in patients with symptomatic knee OA. Two cohorts of subjects will be studied to establish these outcomes.
The successful candidate will develop skills in study design, statistical analysis, quantitative sensory testing and OA epidemiology.
Research will be conducted within the Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, widely acknowledged to be the premier institute in the UK investigating the genetics and epidemiology of arthritic diseases. The studentship could form the basis for a career in epidemiologic research, clinical trials or population studies. Alternatively, the training in study design and data analysis would prove an excellent foundation for a career within the pharmaceutical industry.
Applicants should hold a minimum upper second honours degree (or equivalent) in the biological sciences or psychology. They should also hold a Masters in a similar area. Previous research experience would be an advantage but comprehensive training will be provided.
Please direct applications in the following format to Gill Amroon: gillian.amroon@manchester.ac.uk
• A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date.
• Contact details for two academic or professional referees.
• A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.
Please provide the project title in the heading of your personal statement.
Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr Terence O’Neill (terence.o’neill@manchester.ac.uk) or Dr John McBeth (john.mcbeth@manchester.ac.uk).
Applications are invited up to and including Monday 2 August 2010.