PhD Studentship in Environmental Exposures and Cognitive Ageing
Investigate how environmental factors like air pollution and heat impact long-term cognitive ageing using the PROTECT study cohort.
Best for:Best for aspiring epidemiologists or data scientists with a strong background in public health, environmental science, or quantitative health research.
Overview
The University of Exeter invites applications for a four-year funded PhD studentship focusing on environmental exposures and cognitive ageing, offered through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. The successful candidate will utilize data from the large-scale PROTECT online cohort to explore relationships between long-term outdoor stressors—such as air pollution and heat—and cognitive decline in later life. This project provides comprehensive training in exposure science, environmental epidemiology, and longitudinal data analysis. Applicants are expected to engage in rigorous research, link complex environmental datasets to health outcomes, and identify vulnerable population subgroups.
What you'll do
- Analyze longitudinal health and cognitive data from the PROTECT study cohort to identify trends in cognitive ageing.
- Link environmental exposure data, including air pollution and heat metrics, with individual health and cognitive outcomes.
- Identify vulnerable demographic groups affected by specific environmental exposure windows.
- Participate in advanced research training in exposure science, environmental epidemiology, and statistical modeling.
- Disseminate research findings through academic publications and scientific presentations.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or equivalent in a relevant biomedical, public health, or quantitative discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; standard institutional proficiency required
Instruction: English
- Background in public health, biomedical sciences, or quantitative data analysis
- Familiarity with statistical analysis or epidemiological research methods
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Open to UK and International students
- Meeting standard academic entry requirements for a UK doctoral programme
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-21
Review the project details and funding eligibility criteria on the institutional website. Submit your application through the official external application portal provided by the University of Exeter before the stated deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
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