Enhancing Pain Management: Assessing the Influence of Patient Pharmacogenomic and Psychosocial Factors on Opioid Treatment Outcomes

Summary

Opioid painkillers are crucial for treating both short-term and long-term pain. However, prescribers face challenges in managing pain effectively while avoiding the negative side effects of these drugs. Previous attempts to improve opioid dosing, which translates into effective pain response, have used patients' genetic information to predict how well the body transforms opioids.  However, using genetic data alone to inform dosing in real-life pain treatment is difficult because pain is very personal and varies greatly from person to person. One way to measure pain objectively is by looking at changes in stress levels. We have previously shown that a patient’s mental health and stress levels are linked to how well their pain is managed and how much it interferes with their life.

This project aims to understand the extent to which genetic differences and stress markers affect pain outcomes and quality of life in patients using opioids for pain management.  The study will have three phases, combining both quantitative data and patient feedback to get a complete picture of the treatment’s impact.

In the first phase, participants’ DNA will be analysed to identify genetic differences.

In the second phase, stress levels will be measured using lab tests and questionnaires.

The third phase will use patient feedback to evaluate pain management and quality of life.

Integrating and analysing data from all three phases will yield insights that will help improve personalized opioid treatments to maximise pain relief with minimal side effects.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.