MPhil/PhD Studentship in preventive therapies for long COVID on respiratory outcomes, and health related quality‑of‑life

Investing in excellence: studentship opportunities

The University of Derby has an opportunity for a full-time postgraduate research studentship in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences area of research in the College of Health and Humanities.

The successful applicant will receive a maintenance stipend (based on the minimum stipend defined by UKRI, currently £21,805 for the academic year 2026/27) and home MPhil/PhD tuition fees (£5,238 - subject to amendment)* only up to the target submission date.

*This is an indicative funding amount. Actual funding amounts to be confirmed.

Only home students are eligible to apply for this studentship.

Please note: ensure you submit all documents required at the point of application, namely: degree certificates and full transcripts, CV, personal statement, photo ID. Academic references must also be in place by the end of August.

The intended intake period is September 2026.

Applicants will become part of a friendly and welcoming team and will be supported and managed by their supervisors.

The vacancy details are as follows:

Project description

We are inviting applications for an exciting PhD/MPhil studentship exploring the impact of interventions to prevent acute respiratory infection, and the impact on quality of life in individuals living with Long COVID.

This project will focus on generating high-quality, independent clinical evidence using real-world or feasibility-based approaches. You will work with your supervisory team and industry partners to design and lead the delivery of research study, working with patient-reported outcomes, respiratory measures, and health-related quality of life data to better understand recovery and symptom management.

You will gain hands-on experience in clinical research, including study design, ethics applications, data collection, and statistical analysis, while contributing to an important and rapidly evolving area of healthcare research.

This is an academically driven project focused on evidence generation and scientific contribution, offering a strong foundation for a career in clinical, academic, or applied health research.

Purpose/objectives 

The aim of this studentship is to develop new evidence on how preventive strategies may support individuals experiencing Long COVID, particularly in relation to respiratory function and quality of life. This project is funded by industry, and you will work with both the academic team, and the industry partner.

As part of your PhD, you will:

• Design and conduct a clinical or applied research study in Long COVID
• Evaluate the feasibility and/or effectiveness of selected interventions
• Collect and analyse clinical and patient-reported data
• Develop strong skills in research methodology, data analysis, and interpretation
• Contribute to academic publications, conference presentations, and your doctoral thesis

This studentship will support your development as an independent researcher, equipped with the skills and the ability to build a strong interdisciplinary collaborative network needed to work in clinical research, academia, or industry.

Potential project impact

Long COVID continues to affect millions of individuals, with ongoing challenges in symptom management and recovery. This project offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, real-world impact.

The research has the potential to:

• Improve understanding of respiratory symptoms and quality of life in Long COVID
• Inform future clinical practice and patient care strategies
• Contribute to the development of evidence-based approaches to prevention and recovery
• Support future research studies or larger clinical trials
• Produce publishable outputs that influence the wider scientific and healthcare community

Your work will form part of a growing evidence base that aims to improve outcomes for people living with Long COVID.

Principal accountabilities and responsibilities

As a PhD researcher on this project, you will:

• Develop a research protocol and study design with support from your supervisory team
• Prepare and submit ethics and governance applications
• Design and implement data collection tools (e.g. questionnaires or electronic case report forms)
• Recruit participants and collect clinical and/or patient-reported data (as appropriate)
• Analyse data using appropriate statistical methods
• Produce regular progress reports and present findings to your supervisory team
• Write and complete your doctoral thesis within the agreed timeframe
• Prepare research outputs, including journal articles and conference presentations
• Engage with training and professional development opportunities
• Adhere to research governance, confidentiality, and data protection requirements

To apply

Please review our entry requirements before submitting your application and check out the 'Getting Started' section below.

Completed applications should be submitted via our online application system quoting funding reference: EXT_CoHH_LongCOVID_26-27

Apply online

Closing dates for applications: Sunday 2 August 2026.

(Please note: we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close before 2 August 2026 if a high volume of applications is received.)

Interviews: 18 August 2026.

If you have not been invited for an interview by the interview date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

For other enquiries which are subject-specific please contact:

Dr Corinna Chidley - c.chidley@derby.ac.uk

Prof Mark Faghy - m.a.faghy@lboro.ac.uk

Dr Rebecca Owen-Toon - r.owen@derby.ac.uk

Getting started

Before you begin your application, make sure you have:

Studentship funding reference code

This is provided on the individual studentship advert and must be specified in your application. 

Personal statement

A 500-word personal statement outlining your suitability for the studentship project. This is a mandatory requirement and you must upload it into your application. You should include your reasons for applying for the studentship, your experience in the field, how you feel you would benefit from studying and relevant information about your previous studies.

Your CV

A CV outlining your academic and professional experience.

Qualifications

Your qualification details including grades and dates taken. You will have the opportunity to upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates and transcripts in the application. If you have no formal qualifications, you can also state this in your application.

Passport/birth certificate

A scanned copy of your passport or full birth certificate. This will help us verify your application to study with us. International applicants can provide a copy of their passport only for visa assessment purposes, and their current visa if residing within the UK.

Academic references

Two signed academic references. This is optional at application stage but highly encouraged. If successful in your application, two academic references will be a mandatory requirement of admission. The references should be in written format, signed and dated from either a supervisor or tutor from your most recent studies.