Digital innovation to support the safe use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV

A 3-year full time PhD Studentship in public health

About the role

A 3-year full time PhD Studentship in public health funded by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Blood-Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections is available within the Institute of Global Health. The studentship will commence from 1^st February 2026 onwards, under the supervision of Professor Caroline Sabin.

Project title

Supporting the safe use of HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through an innovative digital platform

Background

This project aims to enhance the safe use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by addressing drug interactions and medication-related harm through an innovative digital platform. The primary goal is to build a user-centred website, with embedded conversational AI, expanding on the trusted resources available at https://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/, to provide individuals at increased risk of HIV with reliable, accessible information on PrEP. Through the PhD studentship, the student will conduct research to ensure that the digital tool is innovative, reliable and importantly, driven by user-engagement to ensure it meets the needs of the intended population. This will ultimately support safer PrEP usage and reduce the risk of drug interactions and associated harm among high-risk populations.

Objectives

To undertake user engagement and a needs assessment to identify and prioritize the frequently asked questions regarding PrEP usage.
To supplement direct user engagement with social media resources, including content sharing websites such as Reddit, to understand the needs of end-users by undertaking natural language processing and understanding to extract common themes and questions posed by potential end-users.
To synthesise the current literature and clinical guidelines on PrEP and its interactions in order to establish a robust evidence-base that will underpin the website content and chatbot responses.
To develop a chatbot/conversational AI tool (in collaboration with senior AI experts and data scientists) which will be designed to answer common questions and guide users through safe medication practices.
To design and implement a comprehensive user testing protocol, gathering feedback through structured usability sessions and surveys, allowing for continuous refinement of the chatbot’s functionality.

Environment

The student will work in the Institute for Global Health, within the NIHR HPRU in Blood-Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, a partnership between UCL and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) whose researchers conduct multi-disciplinary research on a range of STIs and blood-borne viruses with the aim of improving the health of the population and developing practical policy guidelines for those working in health protection and managing people living with these infections.

This Studentship presents a unique opportunity to conduct supervised research within the NIHR HPRU at UCL, to work in partnership with colleagues at the University of Liverpool, and to be a part of an exciting and thriving research community within the sexual health field.

About you

Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s degree (preferably with a merit or distinction) in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

UCL offers may be conditional, subject to meeting the Global Health MPhil/PhD entry requirements, including English Language Requirements, which must be met before an Unconditional offer can be made.

What we offer

This studentship provides a starting stipend of £22,780 per annum and covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate (£6,215).

Funding is not provided for paid parental and sick leave. Unpaid interruptions can be requested and may be supported.

Only students eligible for UK/Home fees status, can apply.

EU nationals should see this Student fee status page for information about eligibility for Home fees. If you are unsure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for Home fee status we would advise you contact the UCL Graduate Admissions Office for advice. See also to the UKCISA website (England: HE fee status).

How to Apply

Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Professor Caroline Sabin (c.sabin@ucl.ac.uk).

To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a 1-sided A4 cover letter to Professor Caroline Sabin (c.sabin@ucl.ac.uk)

Closing deadline for applications: Friday 5th December 2025.

Interview date/s: week commencing 15th December 2025.

The successful applicant will then be required to apply to and register on the Global Health research degree to take up the studentship.

Anticipated start date: 1st February 2026 to be confirmed subject to successful graduate application following interview.

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