PhD studentship: ESRC CASE Doctoral Award at University of Liverpool, ‘Expectations and Experiences of Lung Cancer in Liverpool since 1948’

Applications are invited for a fully-funded ESRC CASE Doctoral Award (1+3) to be held at the University of Liverpool, beginning in October 2017.

The project is a collaboration with the charity North West Cancer Research. Liverpool has some of the highest rates of cancer in the UK. Although the NHS has provided free health care for all since 1948, cancer charities have continued to fundraise to supplement state-funded clinical research, and to provide support for cancer patients and their families.

Before the 1950s the main explanations for lung cancer were chimney smoke and road tar. Epidemiological research then established a clear association between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, at a time when 85% of British adults smoked. There is now a well-established association between the areas of highest lung cancer incidence and mortality and those with the highest levels of socio-economic deprivation. Poorer people often seek medical advice later with signs of advanced cancer, and there appears to be a ‘fatalism’ response that is historically constructed.

The project will explore the following key research questions:

(i)                 How is the variation in lung cancer in Liverpool since 1948 related to wider socio-economic and political issues?

(ii)               How have cancer research, treatment and prevention policies been influenced by different types of funding (charitable, government) and governance structures within the Liverpool region since 1948?

(iii)             What roles have public expectations and experiences played in creating distinct socio-economic ‘histories’ of lung cancer?

The project will use a range of research methodologies: historical (primary source analysis of local and national government and NWCR charity archives; oral history with former cancer patients and their families); geographical (spatial analysis of cancer incidence and mortality; socio-economic inequalities since 1948) and sociological (changing public understanding of personal and neighbourhood cancer risk factors and histories).

The PhD will be supervised by Professor Sally Sheard (University of Liverpool; History and Public Health) and Professor Chris Lloyd (University of Liverpool; Geography and Planning). The North West Cancer Research components of the project, which will involve the equivalent of nine months’ placement over the three years of the PhD, will be supervised by Alastair Richards (NWCR Chair). This Award provides an excellent opportunity to develop transferable skills through working outside an academic environment, including organising events, assisting with North West Cancer Research’s development strategy and the creation of web-based materials.

This Postgraduate Studentship is being offered on a 1+3 basis. Applicants must have achieved or be predicted to achieve a first class or high 2:1 undergraduate degree. For the first year of the studentship the student will be registered on a relevant PGT course at the University of Liverpool to develop the research methodologies required for the PhD. This first year may be waived for a student who already has appropriate training. Applicants are advised to check the ESRC guidance on eligibility for Studentship Awards which can be found on the ESRC website.

The deadline for applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 21 April 2017. 

Please send a CV (including educational qualifications) and a statement outlining your suitability for this research project (maximum 500 words) to Chris Pearce, Postgraduate Administrator, School of Histories Languages and Cultures, University of Liverpool, 12 Abercromby Square, Liverpool L69 7WZ, or hlc-pgr@liverpool.ac.uk. 

Specific enquiries about the project should be addressed to Professor Sally Sheard: sheard@liverpool.ac.uk