PhD Studentship: Predictors of autism in children with genetic syndromes associated with intellectual disability.

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD on intellectual disability (ID) and autism. This PhD is one of three PhDs in the Cerebra Network, a unique collaborative research network that integrates knowledge, expertise, and resources across the University of Surrey, Aston, Birmingham and Warwick to deliver greater insight into people with rare and complex conditions.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Jo Moss, Professor Emily Farran and Dr Katherine Ellis at the University of Surrey on research to understand predictors of autism in children with genetic syndromes associated with ID.

Autism characteristics are highly prevalent in children with genetic syndromes associated with ID. However, recognition of these characteristics in clinical practice is significantly reduced. This PhD project will evaluate child and family factors associated with autism characteristics and clinical diagnostic outcomes in this population. Clinician perspectives of assessment and diagnosis will also be evaluated.

Entry requirements

Open to UK nationals only. Starting in October 2025.

Minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme need to be met.

The successful applicant will use subjective and objective behavioural measures to evaluate factors associated with autism in children with ID. They will collaborate and communicate with families and stakeholders to co-develop and disseminate the work. They will prepare academic papers and conference presentations and will join a team of students and researchers at the NDevR lab and broader Cerebra Network.

Essential:

• Minimum 2.1 bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field, or on track to be awarded a degree before 1/10/2025.
• Minimum 2.1 grade in a research-based dissertation conducted as part of an UG degree, or equivalent research experience (e.g. through volunteering with a research team).
• A strong interest in research and high level of motivation to develop research ideas.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of statistics and willingness to learn more advanced methods.
• Experience of research methods related to quantitative and qualitative methods
• Experience in conducting cognitive-behavioural studies and preparing data for analysis.
• Ability to work independently and seek supervision appropriately.
• Experience working with individuals from vulnerable populations (e.g. children, individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions) and/or their families.
• Understanding of how to work with stakeholder organisations to plan, develop or conduct useful research and demonstration of the skills necessary to do this well.

Desirable:

• A 1^st class bachelor’s degree from a research-intensive University in Psychology or related field.
• Experience of conducting research with individuals from vulnerable populations and/or their families.
• Experience of working with stakeholder organisations supporting individuals from vulnerable groups, either in a research or other professional context.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Evidence of ability to disseminate research findings (e.g. via seminar or conference presentations).

Application process

Applications should be submitted via the Psychology PhD programme page.

With your application, please provide a 2-page project proposal, outlining a plan for your PhD research within this area. Within this, please include a 250 word lay-summary suitable for families of children with rare genetic syndromes, explaining the purpose and value of the research. Please also submit a CV, 2 references and grades transcript.

Funding

Fully and directly funded for this project only for 3 years.

Funding covers UK tuition fees and UKRI stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26).

Application deadline: 1/3/2025

Enquiries: Contact Dr Joanna Moss

Ref: PGR-2425-019

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