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- Tasks: Develop personalised digital avatars for dementia care training in Nottinghamshire.
- Company: University of Nottingham, part of a pioneering research programme.
- Benefits: Full tuition fees covered, flexible working arrangements, and supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in dementia care while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for engineering and interest in community-engaged research.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusive and compassionate care.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Area: Engineering
Host University: University of Nottingham
School/Department: Engineering
Location: United Kingdom (Nottinghamshire)
Reference: ENG285
Closing Date: Sunday, 30 November 2025 (11:59 pm)
Start Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026
Funding and Working Arrangements
- Funding Offer: Full tuition fees (worth approximately £15,000–£17,000 across the PhD programme)
- Working Hours: Full-time (minimum 37.5 hours per week)
- Working Style: Primarily in-person at the University of Nottingham; flexible working arrangements supported.
- Working Pattern: To be agreed between the successful candidate and the lead supervisor.
Supervisory Team
- Lead Academic Supervisor: Dr Michael Craven (University of Nottingham)
- Academic Co-Supervisor: Dr Adeolu Badi Adewoye (Nottingham Trent University)
- Academic Co-Supervisor: Dr Shreyank Narayana Gowda (University of Nottingham)
- Community Supervisor: Dr Beili Shao (Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust)
Project Overview
Caring for individuals living with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding—especially when carers are unfamiliar with the specific challenges faced by residents. This interdisciplinary PhD project aims to improve the experience of both carers and residents in Nottinghamshire care homes by developing personalised digital avatars that simulate realistic dementia care scenarios.
Working closely with carers, families, care home staff, and community organisations, the project will co-design and evaluate these avatars to create immersive training tools. These will help new carers prepare for the specific communication styles, behaviours, and emotional needs they may encounter in each care home.
A major focus will be ensuring that the avatars reflect diverse cultural experiences and expressions of dementia, particularly those that are underrepresented in conventional Western training models. For instance, some residents may express distress or confusion in ways shaped by their cultural, linguistic, or religious background. By embedding these nuances in avatar simulations, the project aims to promote inclusive, compassionate, and culturally responsive dementia care.
Ultimately, the research seeks to enhance carer confidence, reduce stress, and improve the quality of care for residents living with dementia.
About the Collaboratory Programme
This project is part of the Collaboratory (Collab) — a pioneering £7.4 million, 8-year research programme funded by the Research England Development Fund and launched in 2022. Collaboratory brings together universities, community organisations, and citizens to co-create research that delivers tangible benefits to local communities in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
Through this programme:
- 77 PhD candidates and 37 research placement candidates will be recruited from local communities.
- Participants will be trained as future leaders in community-engaged research, fostering positive, evidence-based change.
The University of Nottingham is a supportive, inclusive, and diverse community that values people of all cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and the first university to achieve an Athena Swan Gold Award.
We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fair and accessible recruitment processes. Applicants will be considered on an equal basis, subject to UK Right to Work regulations.
PhD Studentship in Computer Engineering in Nottingham employer: Polytechnicpositions
Contact Detail:
Polytechnicpositions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Computer Engineering in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty at the University of Nottingham. They can give you insider info about the programme and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to dementia care and digital tools. Show us that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the project!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your unique experiences! If you’ve worked with diverse communities or have insights into cultural aspects of care, make sure to share those during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Computer Engineering in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the PhD project. We want to see your passion for dementia care and how you can contribute to creating those personalised digital avatars.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to include any relevant experience you have, whether it’s in engineering, community work, or caring roles. We’re looking for candidates who understand the challenges faced by carers and residents, so share your insights!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your enthusiasm for the project shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polytechnicpositions
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the project overview and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of developing personalised digital avatars for dementia care, as well as the cultural nuances involved. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during the interview.
✨Connect with Your Supervisors
Research Dr Michael Craven and the co-supervisors to understand their work and interests. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with their expertise. Showing that you've done your homework can really impress them and highlight your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the project, the Collaboratory programme, and the working arrangements. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you assess if this is the right fit for you. Questions about community involvement and cultural considerations in the project can be particularly relevant.
✨Showcase Your Interdisciplinary Skills
Since this project involves collaboration across various fields, be ready to discuss your interdisciplinary skills and experiences. Highlight any previous work or research that demonstrates your ability to work with diverse teams and tackle complex problems, especially in a community context.