Generation: Improving the efficiency and equity of tumour-agnostic clinical trial recruitment using automated electronic record based tools

This Leeds-Manchester CRUK Clinical Research Training Fellowship is available in the School of Medicine in 2026. This studentship is open to UK applicants and covers PhD tuition fees, clinical salary and project running costs. <br /> <br /> The School of Medicine invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27. The award is open to full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree at the School of Medicine and are at the appropriate stage of UK clinical specialty training.<br /> <br /> This PhD fellowship provides an exciting opportunity for a doctor in UK higher specialty clinical training, for example in clinical oncology or medical oncology, to pursue research relating to Improving the efficiency and equity of tumour-agnostic clinical trial recruitment using automated electronic record based tools.

<p>The delivery of clinical trials in the NHS is a policy priority, with increased trial efficiency and equity critical. The challenge of equitable patient identification is compounded in tumour-agnostic trials (for example, in bone metastases), where trial eligibility does not align with a diagnostically siloed clinical service. However, increasing digital maturity yields potential for automated electronic health-record based tools to overcome these challenges, increasing both the efficiency and equity of trial recruitment. The implementation of technology in the NHS is often challenging though due to system, staffing and financial constraints. As such, it is crucial that the value of any innovation is well defined and barriers and enablers to implementation carefully assessed to ensure appropriate and optimal implementation.</p> <p>The treatment of bone metastases is a research priority due to their increasing incidence and consequent increasing morbidity, mortality and costs. Here, we will capitalise on synergies between Leeds and Manchester in clinical trials, data-analytics, digital innovation and patient-reported outcomes to refine an existing algorithm that uses structured data to identify patients with bone metastases for possible trial recruitment. The current algorithm will be refined using unstructured data, analysed with large-language models, in addition to patient-reported outcomes. The barriers and enablers to NHS implementation will be assessed through literature review, qualitative interviews and engagement with multi-disciplinary professionals from three NHS organisations.</p> <p>Ultimately, by bringing together key strengths from Manchester and Leeds this project will deliver a refined algorithm for the identification of patients with bone metastases, assess potential for implementation/scale-up in the NHS and provide a framework for assessing the cost-benefit of this and future tools. With supervision from an excellent multi-disciplinary team, it will enable the candidate to develop their research skills with particular focus on the intersection between routine health data and clinical trials and the implementation of health technology.</p>

<p>To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>a personal statement (1000 words maximum) describing your suitability for the project, giving an overview of your relevant experience, research and clinical training</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for a Leeds-Manchester CRUK Clinical PhD Fellowship</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants must hold an MBChB degree or equivalent medical qualification.<br /> Applicants must be a post-registration clinician and in a GMC-recognised UK clinical specialty training programme.<br /> Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.<br /> Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.<br />

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>We are offering 1 full-time/part-time PhD fellowship in the School of Medicine for one UK candidate, covering PhD tuition fees, clinical salary and project running costs for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</p>

<p>Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact <strong>Jo Bentley</strong> <a href="mailto:J.Bentley@leeds.ac.uk">J.Bentley@leeds.ac.uk</a> or the <strong>FMH PGR Admissions Team </strong><a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a> prior to making an application.</p>