Application deadline
Thursday, 24 September 2026 |
Expected start
January 2027 |
Registration
University of Manchester |
Research base
Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning |
About the opportunity
ACROSS - Affordable Cardiac Rehabilitation: An Outreach Inter-Disciplinary Strategic Study is an NIHR-funded global research programme developing a culturally adapted and affordable home-based rehabilitation programme for people with multiple long-term health conditions, including heart disease and anxiety/depression.
We are seeking an outstanding student to undertake a fully funded PhD project focused on developing cardiac rehabilitation for children and young people with congenital heart disease in Pakistan.
Children and young people with congenital heart conditions and other cardiovascular diseases require specialised rehabilitation that responds to their physical, emotional and developmental needs. Most established cardiac rehabilitation programmes are designed for adults, creating an important need for age-appropriate approaches.
What the research will involve
- A systematic review of existing cardiac rehabilitation interventions for congenital heart disease;
- Qualitative co-design work involving children and young people, their carers and healthcare professionals; and
- A small feasibility study to assess acceptability and explore parameters for a future evaluation.
Eligibility
Applicants should be fluent English speakers and have completed a Master’s degree by September 2026. Applicants are expected to hold a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree, or an equivalent qualification.
A Master’s degree in a relevant subject such as psychology, health psychology or nursing is desirable, together with substantial research-methods training and experience relevant to behaviour change, long-term conditions and comorbid mental health problems.
Applicants must either:
- already be resident in Pakistan; or
- be prepared to live in Pakistan for the duration of the project.
Funding and research environment
The studentship is fully funded for three years. University registration and tuition fees will be covered, and an annual stipend will be provided.
The successful student will join the wider Global ACROSS programme and engage with researchers, clinicians and early career researchers across the UK and South Asia. They will receive academic supervision, research training and access to wider ACROSS capacity-strengthening activities.
How to apply
Interested candidates must contact the primary supervisor to discuss their interest and suitability before submitting a formal application. The subsequent application should be made through the University of Manchester Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy.