PhD Studentship: Food Insecurity and Disordered Eating in ARFID
Explore the unexplored connection between food insecurity and ARFID through large datasets and interviews.
Best for:Best for psychology or health science graduates with an interest in eating disorders, public health, and mixed-methods research.
Overview
The University of Exeter invites applications for a fully-funded four-year PhD studentship focusing on the intersection of food insecurity and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Operating within the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme, the successful candidate will investigate this critical public health gap utilizing large cohort datasets, qualitative interviews with affected individuals and carers, and the co-production of practical resources. The project is designed to improve support for an underserved and poorly understood patient population. The researcher will be embedded in the Department of Psychology and benefit from cross-institutional training and collaborative opportunities.
What you'll do
- Analyze large cohort datasets to examine the relationship between food insecurity and ARFID.
- Conduct and transcribe qualitative interviews with individuals with lived experience of ARFID and their carers.
- Co-produce practical support resources and guidelines for underserved patient groups.
- Collaborate across institutions within the GW4 BioMed3 partnership and participate in required doctoral training activities.
- Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at academic conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or equivalent in Psychology, Health Sciences, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Background in psychology, biological sciences, or health-related research
- Quantitative data analysis skills for handling large cohort datasets
- Qualitative research methods experience, such as conducting and analyzing interviews
- Strong academic writing and science communication abilities
- Open to UK and International students
- Must meet standard entry requirements for the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-21
Candidates must submit their application through the official University of Exeter funding portal using the provided external application link. Ensure all required academic transcripts and supporting documentation are prepared and uploaded prior to the deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
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