Developing an implementation science research core outcome set

The School of Social Policy and Society is offering funding for a doctoral studentship to develop a core outcome set for implementation science research. The successful applicant will be supervised by academics from the Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science (CEIS), University of Birmingham (Dr Ameeta Retzer, Dr Arabella Scantlebury, and Professor Amy Grove).The CEIS is a multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of methodological innovation and policy and practice change. The successful applicant will be based within the CEIS Policy and Methods group, benefiting from development opportunities through CEIS, research infrastructure, and the University of Birmingham and School of Social Policy and Society postgraduate community. Implementation science is the study of methods and strategies used to integrate proven, evidence-based practices into regular, real-world use. The studentship will develop a core outcome set to standardise implementation data collected and reported in implementation research in health.

This will include, but is not limited to:

• Systematic evidence synthesis to assess existing literature describing implementation outcomes;
• Engagement with key stakeholders and potential users of evidence-based practice;
• Qualitative data collection with implementation scientists, key stakeholders and potential users of evidence-based practice, and the public;
• Consensus-generating methods to confirm the final core outcome set;
• Considering how the core outcome set can incorporate equity of implementation and address health inequalities.

For UK/home students, the studentship covers:

• Full tuition fees at the Home rate (£5,181 per annum)
• An annual maintenance grant for 3 years of £21,805 per year

For international students, the studentship covers:

• tuition fees at the international rate (currently £22,880 per year)
• a small maintenance grant (£4,163 per year)
• Remaining living expenses and any visa requirements must be funded from other sources

Who can apply?

• A first-class or strong upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. health sciences, social sciences, or related field)
• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (completed or near completion at the time of application)
• Post-qualification experience, including professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience, will also be taken into account when considering applicants

Desirable Criteria

• Research experience using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (including evidence synthesis)
• Demonstrated interest in health inequalities, applied health research, and/or health services research
• Interest in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and participatory research approaches.

Which countries and nationalities are eligible?

Open to anybody from any country and any nationality.

How to Apply

Applications must be made through the University of Birmingham Postgraduate Application portal.Your scholarship application will not be considered if you do not apply for admission.  To apply for admission click here, selecting PhD in Health Services Management. Once you have applied, please email Dr Ameeta Retzer (a.retzer@bham.ac.uk) with your details and application number.

Your application should include:

• A personal statement / cover letter explaining your suitability and what you would bring to the PhD (2 pages maximum)
• A research protocol (2 page maximum) to address the proposed research question.
• A CV
• Two academic references
• Transcripts (previous qualifications)

Please mention that you are applying for CEIS, Policy and Methods PhD studentship within your application. Full information about applying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham can be found at Apply for an advertised PhD - University of Birmingham
The deadline for applications is 2 July 2026. Interviews take place on Thursday 16 July 2026.