We invite applications for a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship within the Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, Imperial College London. This opportunity is part of the Centre’s annual studentship programme, generously supported by Dame Marit Mohn OBE.

The Mohn Centre champions transdisciplinary research and mixed methods approaches, welcoming applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Mireille Toledano, Director of the Mohn Centre and Professor of Population Child Health.

Research environment

The Mohn Centre is a world-leading hub for children’s health and wellbeing within Imperial’s School of Public Health. Based at the new White City Campus, the Centre fosters a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment. Students benefit from national and international collaborations with academic institutions, health and environmental agencies, and industry, all focused on high-quality, policy-relevant research.

Our researchers lead impactful projects, collaborating with children, young people, families, and agencies to translate research into policy and improve population health. Community involvement is embedded throughout the research cycle, making this studentship a unique opportunity to connect cutting-edge research with real-world impact.

A core objective of the Centre is to train the next generation of academic and policy leaders in child health. PhD students will benefit from a tailored training programme designed to equip them with the skills and experience needed to become leading researchers. Additionally, a new competitive fund will be available to support post-doctoral research following completion of the PhD.

Research themes

We are seeking exceptional candidates interested in child and adolescent health in urban environments, particularly in the following areas:

  • Mental health and cognitive function
  • Physical health
  • Impacts of digital technologies
  • Environmental determinants of child health
  • Socio-economic determinants of child health

Eligibility criteria

Essential

  • A relevant Master’s degree
  • A relevant Bachelor’s degree with a UK First- or Upper Second-Class honours (or equivalent)
  • Strong statistical/computational skills
  • Candidates are required to meet English language requirements (Higher level) unless exempt

Desirable

  • Experience in public health, epidemiology, or education research
  • Experience conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research
  • Knowledge of, or interest in, public health and/or education policy
  • Familiarity with software such as R, Stata or NVivo
  • Experience working with or communicating with young people

Funding and start dates

To apply, please submit the following documents by email to mohncentre@imperial.ac.uk, quoting ‘Mohn Centre PhD Studentship Application’ in the subject line:

  • A completed Application Form (click link to download)
  • English language test results (IELTS or TOEFL), unless exempt
  • Undergraduate and Master’s degree transcripts, including average grades

Deadline: 23:59, 13 July 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early if a suitable candidate is found.

If you have any queries please email mohncentre@imperial.ac.uk