Please note the below is a shortened version of the full job specification. For more details please refer to the full Job Description document, which can be downloaded by clicking on the ‘Download full job spec’ button above.

Post Summary

PhD Project: Understanding the Modelling the Dynamics of Stroke Risk Across the Life- course of Women

Being able to predict stroke risk (both for a first ever stroke and a recurrent stroke), and better understanding of the factors that determine stroke risk, could enable better targeting of prevention strategies. Stroke risk factors can broadly be divided into ‘fixed’ and ‘modifiable’. Fixed factors include age and sex, whilst modifiable/treatable risk factors include smoking, hypertension, diabetes, physical activity and diet.

The profile of stroke risk is different in men and women because of several different factors including hormonal and pregnancy-related factors. Yet in clinical practice, primary and secondary stroke prevention (and also prevention for cardiovascular disease) is addressed in similar ways for men and women. The focus of this project is on analysing the effect of women-specific life events (e.g., oral contraception, pregnancy, HRT, menopause, etc.) on stroke risk. The overall vision is to create a stroke risk prediction tool for women (similar to those that exist for women with breast cancer¹) to predict the risk of first-ever and recurrent stroke; this could allow women to make better-informed choices about medical treatment and lifestyle. The research will adopt a data-driven approach, involving data science/statistics/machine learning methods, and will be informed by clinical literature and practice.

Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

The successful candidate will be registered to the structured PhD programme in the School of Computer Science and Statistics. They will be required to work full time on their PhD which includes mandatory demonstrating duties and optional teaching activities. The appointed applicants will undertake academic research under the direction of the PI. The PhD candidate’s specific duties will include:

• Undertake research leading to a PhD;
• Produce academic papers and reports throughout the course of their PhD;
• Meet with supervisors regularly, attend and contribute to research group meetings, journal clubs, and communicate research findings at national and international
• Collaborate with colleagues in the School and the ADAPT research centre;

Application Procedure Applicants should submit:

A cover letter, to include specific details and evidence of relevant experience/skills and the motivation for pursuing this research area (~1 page max).

A full Curriculum Vitae

Contact information including the names and contact details of two referees (including email addresses).

Evidence of English language proficiency if required (see www.tcd.ie/study/apply/admission- requirements/postgraduate/) to:- Prof. John D. Kelleher [email protected]

NOTE: Applicants must have been resident in an EU member state for 3 out of the last 5 years to be eligible for EU fees