PhD Studentship: Personalised Psychotherapy Interventions for Occupational Stress and Burnout

The University of Sheffield Invites applications for an ambitious and driven PhD candidate to join our Department of Psychology. The PhD researcher will work under the supervision of Dr Arianna Prudenzi and Professor Jamie Delgadillo.

This fully funded position is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to an important project aimed at developing personalised therapeutic interventions for occupational burnout.

The successful candidate will undertake a series of studies focusing on understanding the most effective active ingredients of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for occupational stress and burnout, and the development of an algorithm for personalised treatment recommendations.

Over 3.5 years, the appointed PhD researcher will commence a comprehensive research programme beginning with an observational analysis to identify key predictors of successful outcomes in ACT and CBT for occupational stress and burnout. Subsequently, the candidate will evaluate a clinical trial comparing the efficacy of these therapies in managing occupational burnout. The final phase of the programme involves validating a predictive model that is tailored to align psychotherapeutic treatments with the distinct needs of individuals, enhancing the personalisation of mental health care. 

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct a literature review and engage in hypothesis generation for psychotherapy research.

Design and execute a cross-sectional study, including data collection and analysis.

Coordinate and oversee a randomised controlled trial, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and treatment protocols.

Develop a predictive algorithm based on collected data, utilising advanced machine learning techniques.

Validate and refine the algorithm based on feedback and outcomes.

Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. 

Qualifications:

BSc 2:1 and Masters degree in Psychology (or relevant healthcare discipline), Data Science, or a related field.

Strong quantitative skills, with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python).

Desirable, previous experience with research, particularly within psychology and machine learning algorithms.

Excellent communication for engaging with stakeholders and disseminating findings.

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. 

What we offer:

A stimulating academic environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

A competitive stipend, and research training and support grant.

Opportunities for academic and professional development, including teaching experience and industry engagement. 

Selection process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The University of Sheffield values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. 

For further details, contact Dr Arianna Prudenzi

All applications to be made online via the Postgraduate Application System via the 'Apply' button above.

Documents -  

CV, cover letter, and proposal (a maximum of 6 pages with references) to include:

A rationale for the proposed work, including the overall aim and specific objectives.

A summary of the research projects to pursue over the course of the PhD, including a review chapter followed by 3 interrelated empirical studies that form a coherent body of work.

A Gantt chart outlining activities over the 3-year period.

Funding 

The scholarship award will fund full UK home tuition fees, UKRI stipend (currently £18,622 per annum) for upto 3.5 years.

Start date 1 March 2025.

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