Near Patient Diagnostics for Syphilis (NEAR-TREP)

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 for Global Health. The studentship will commence from 1^st February 2026 onwards, under the supervision of Professor Fiona Burns.

Project title

Background

Despite public health efforts, limited progress has been made in the control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK, with case numbers rising almost continuously for the last decade. Of the treatable bacterial STIs, syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is associated with significant morbidity including irreversible neurological damage, congenital infection and perinatal mortality. In 2017, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing the burden of syphilis. However, the number of cases of syphilis has risen every year in the last decade. Current strategies have proved insufficient, in particular because, not all infectious cases of syphilis are detected and treated rapidly enough. There is an urgent need to develop new tools, understand how to optimally deploy both novel and existing tools, and understand the health system implications of each approach. Novel testing strategies such as near-patient testing and self-testing may be valuable tools in expanding the uptake of testing.

Objectives

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of new syphilis serological tests compared to routine laboratory serology
To understand service user and service provider perceptions on the use of near-patient syphilis testing within sexual health clinics
To identify optimal approaches to integrating near-patient syphilis testing into care pathways

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 London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), 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.

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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