Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects around 500 million people across the globe, with a disproportionate effect on ethnic minorities and those with lower income/education. This ESRC-funded PhD focuses on developing a better understanding of the relationship between mental wellbeing and T2D self-management behaviours, to inform more effective interventions.

Previous research has focused on between-individual comparisons, examining how average mental health relates to T2D behaviours, such as dieting, and vice versa.

Exploring associations within individuals can inform the development of personalised interventions tailored to people’s unique needs and circumstances.

This PhD aims to enhance our understanding of mental wellbeing and T2D self-management behaviours using ecological momentary assessment. This involves collecting real-time data in individuals’ natural environments with smartphones and wearable devices. The project will also involve secondary analyses of existing datasets and qualitative enquiry.

This project addresses a pressing societal challenge with real-world applications, allowing individuals to leverage their unique perspectives, skills, and experiences. In the process, it provides transferable skills, networking opportunities, and career guidance, equipping students to thrive in and beyond academia.

Supervisors

• Dr Julia Mueller, University of Cambridge. Email: julia.mueller@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk  
• Dr Amy L. Ahern, University of Cambridge. Email: amy.ahern@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk  
• Professor Felix Naughton, University of East Anglia. Email:  f.naughton@uea.ac.uk

Application deadline

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday 7 January 2025

How to apply

Information on how to apply for this PhD position is found on the Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP) website.

Candidates should contact Dr Julia Muller to in the first instance, before submitting their application.

Funding available for this PhD covers UK home-level fees (not full international fees).