PhD Studentship – Global Patterns and Pathways of Loneliness and its Links to Lifestyle and Mental Health among Young People
University of Bradford – Institute of Health & Social Care
Bradford, United Kingdom
General Description – include all relevant details from the source
The University of Bradford’s Institute of Health & Social Care is offering a funded PhD studentship to investigate the complex interrelationships between loneliness, lifestyle behaviours, and mental health among young people. Loneliness is recognised as a significant global public health concern associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, reduced physical activity, and poorer sleep. This research project aims to use large-scale international and UK cohort datasets to identify clusters of loneliness and lifestyle behaviours, examine how socioeconomic and societal contexts influence these clusters, and explore how young people transition between profiles over time. The study sits at the intersection of adolescent mental health, social inequalities, epidemiology, and data science. The successful candidate will be embedded within a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Bradford, working alongside experts in young people’s mental health at the Bradford Mental Health Research Centre and the School of Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work. A compulsory placement with the Bradford Institute for Health Research (BIHR), Born in Bradford, and the Bradford Centre for Health Data Science will provide engagement with rich cohort data and exposure to research design, implementation, and evaluation of mental health interventions. Interview dates are scheduled for 25th or 26th March 2026, providing the student with valuable professional research experience.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should hold, or be expected to obtain, an appropriate undergraduate degree and/or relevant postgraduate qualification in allied health, psychology, public health, epidemiology, social sciences, or a closely related discipline. Demonstrated interest in young people’s mental health, wellbeing, and health inequalities is desirable. This studentship is funded for UK students under ESRC eligibility criteria, with certain programme length variations determined by prior research training.
Required expertise/skills
Applicants should possess quantitative research skills and an aptitude for working with large datasets. Experience or training in epidemiology, social science research methods, statistics, and data science is advantageous. A keen interest in interdisciplinary research and collaborative working across health and social care domains is expected.
Salary details – if available
This fully funded studentship covers tuition fees and includes a tax-free annual stipend of £21,805 for living costs, alongside a Research Support Grant for research-related expenses.
Application Deadline – if available
The closing date for applications is 10 March 2026.