PhD Studentship - A Digital Health Intervention for Emotional Wellbeing in Midlife Women

About the Project

Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Dundalk, Ireland.

Primary Research Area: Digital Health

Keywords: Digital Health; Menopause; Perimenopause; Stress; Anxiety; Depression; Mindfulness; Physical Activity; Exercise

Project Overview:

Menopause is a normal part of the aging process, characterized by the permanent cessation of menstrual periods. During the menopause, women experience various changes, some of which can be troublesome. Psychosocial symptoms of menopause can include loss of confidence, issues with self-identity and body image, inattention and loss of memory, increased levels of stress, and a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. During this time many women seek complementary and alternative treatments to help manage the psychosocial symptoms of menopause. The overall aim of this project is to design and test a digital mindfulness and exercise intervention to support peri-menopausal women to manage their emotional well-being. The intervention designed will be delivered using digital technologies and will be evaluated in a trial to provide an optimal intervention for women going through this transitionary life period. This project partners with Siel Bleu, a non-for-profit organisation who work with older adults, patient groups, community organisations, and people living with physical and intellectual disabilities delivering exercise classes online and in person. The successful candidate will spend a 12-week work placement with Siel Bleu. 

Type of Degree Offered: PhD – Full Time registration only

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants should hold a minimum 2:1 degree in in a Health-Related discipline, Healthcare, Sport/Exercise Sciences, or other relevant area.

Experience/Expertise required:

• An MSc qualification in a related area is desirable. *Digital Health experience. *Excellent oral and written communication skills. *Ability to work well both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. *Strong time management and organisational skills, attention to detail.

Applicants whose first language is not English, must demonstrate a recent (within 12 months) minimum proficiency in English at 6.5 on the IELTS scale or equivalent. Applicants whose first language is not English, but who have attained their primary degree through the medium of English, are not subject to the above requirement.

Supervisory Team: Dr Oonagh Giggins and Dr Michael Wilson, NetwellCASALA.

For informal queries: For Informal queries relating to the project, please contact: Oonagh.giggins@dkit.ie. Please note canvassing will render an applicant eligible.

How to Apply

Please apply at findaphd.com.

Select Academic term 2024/25, Academic Level is Postgraduate Research and Programme is CREATE PhD16

As part of the application you will be required to upload a copy of your CV including references and a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for this position and your motivation. Also required are copies of your Transcripts of results and where applicable IELTS qualifications. These will be requested after you submit your application.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 4 pm (GMT) on Friday 9th August 2024. It is expected that applicants will start no later than mid October 2024.

DkIT reserves the right to extend this deadline

Funding Notes

This Fully Funded Scholarship is managed by the CREATE-DkIT project and is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27.

Funding includes an annual stipend of €25,000 and contribution towards annual postgraduate fees of €5,500 for a maximum of 48 months.