Developing and applying novel propensity scoring approaches for target trial emulations using electronic health records (EHRs) 

Background: 

Routinely collected clinical data provide a powerful resource for evaluating interventions for real-world patient populations because they are large, naturalistic resources; however, internal validity is frequently impacted by confounding. Hernan and colleagues have proposed a trial emulation framework which mimics a target trial using observational data. In this context propensity scoring approaches are often used to handle multiple confounders.  


Novelty & Importance: 

Propensity scoring is not a single method and applied researchers find that there are many questions that need answering in practice. This project aims to provide clarity and guidance on using propensity scoring for trial emulation with observational data. To this end a tool will be developed that can be applied across different types of EHR data, advancing methodological capability and supporting decision-making for trial emulations.  


Aims & Objectives: 

To develop a decision support tool for principled propensity scoring in target trial emulation using EHRs 


To develop software tools to enable propensity scoring in practice, e.g. create wrappers to convert software output into clinically meaningful effect size estimates 


To develop exemplar target trial emulation studies using the Maudsley’s Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) EHR data resource 


The Maudsley’s CRIS platform has supported extensive research since 2008 by allowing access to de-identified mental health EHRs on over 500,000 cases from a diverse south London geographic catchment of 1.3m residents.  Case studies might include antipsychotic polypharmacy and/or lithium discontinuation in late life, but these will be informed by both a review and patient/carer input.  


References: 

Scola G., Chis-Ster A., Bean D., Pareek N., Emsley E. & Landau S. (2023) Implementation of the trial emulation approach in medical research: a scoping review, BMC Medical Research Methodology 23: 186; DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-02000-9 


Kadra G, Stewart R, Shetty H, MacCabe JH, Chang CK, Kesserwani J, et al. (2017) Antipsychotic polypharmacy prescribing and risk of hospital readmission. Psychopharmacology 235: 281–289. DOI:  10.1007/s00213-017-4767-6 

 

We are now accepting applications for 1 October 2025

How to apply

Candidates should possess or be expected to achieve a 1st or upper 2nd class degree in a relevant subject including the biosciences, computer science, mathematics, statistics, data science, chemistry, physics, and be enthusiastic about combining their expertise with other disciplines in the field of healthcare.


Important information for International Students:

It is the responsibility of the student to apply for their Student Visa. Please note that the EPSRC DRIVE-Health studentship does not cover the visa application fees or the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) required for access to the National Health Service. The IHS is mandatory for anyone entering the UK on a Student Visa and is currently £776 per year for each year of study. Further detail can be found under the International Students tab below.


Closing date: 6 February 2025 (23:59 hrs BST)

Create an account with King’s Apply.


Apply to the EPSRC DRIVE-Health: Centre for Doctoral Training in Data-Driven Health MPhil/PhD (Full-time).


Please ensure you read the full information required on our Apply page, particularly relating to Personal Statement and Supporting Information. 


Complete the following sections of the application with all the relevant information.


A PDF copy of your CV should be uploaded to the Employment History section.

A 500-word personal statement outlining your motivation for undertaking postgraduate research with the CDT should be uploaded to the Supporting Statement section.

Funding:

Please choose Option 5 "I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London" in the funding section.

Under "Award Scheme Code or Name" enter "EPSRC DRIVE-Health 2025".

Failing to include one of these codes might result in you not being considered for funding.

Questions marked * are mandatory and you will not be able to submit without answering.


Non-EU international applicants are advised that ATAS may be required. While there is no charge to apply for ATAS, processing can take up to 3 months. Please read the Important Information for International Students.

Apply Now

Enhanced Studentships to Attract Top Talent

Each studentship is fully funded for 4 years.


This includes tuition fees, a stipend and a generous allowance for project consumables.


Tuition Fees: these will be covered for both Home and International students.


Stipend: students will receive a tax-free living allowance of £23,814 per year (current projection for Academic Year 2025/26).


Research Training Support Grant (RTSG): up to £20,000 over 4 years for research consumables and attending national and international conferences.

Important Information for International Students

It is the responsibility of the student to apply for their Student Visa.


Please note that the EPSRC DRIVE-Health studentship does not cover the visa application fees or the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) required for access to the National Health Service. The IHS is mandatory for anyone entering the UK on a Student Visa and is currently £776 per year for each year of study.

 

Additionally, depending on your chosen project, some nationals may need to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate prior to applying for a visa. The ATAS application process can take up to 3 months and so it is essential that you apply for this early. Please note the following:

 

• If you need to apply for a student visa, you cannot submit your visa application until your ATAS certificate has been issued.

• If you are applying for any other visa, you cannot enrol at King’s and start your programme unless your ATAS certificate has been issued.

• If you apply late, you may not be able to join on the expected entry point and your registration may be postponed

 

Please review the following article for further information on the ATAS certificate and how to apply: label="" type="url" target="_blank" href="https://self-service.kcl.ac.uk/article/KA-01847/en-us" data-runtime-url="https://self-service.kcl.ac.uk/article/KA-01847/en-us">Do I need ATAS clearance before I start my course at King's? 

 

For further advice, please contact the Visas & International Student Advice as soon as possible.


Academic Requirements and Eligibility

We welcome eligible Home and International applicants from any personal background who are pleased to join diverse and friendly research groups.

Open to Home and International applicants.

Applicable level of study: Postgraduate research.

English Language Requirements (Band D)

Based on the IELTS test scoring system, this programme requires that successful candidates achieve the following level of English before enrolling. Successful applicants’ offer letters will include information about when they must have achieved this standard.

Overall: 6.5

Listening: 6 

Speaking: 6 

Reading: 6 

Writing: 6


Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements.

Next Steps


  1. Applications submitted by the closing date of Thursday 6 February 2025 will be considered by the CDT. We will contact shortlisted applicants with information about this part of the recruitment process.
  2. Candidates will be invited to attend an interview. Interviews are projected to take place in April 2025.
  3. Project selection will be through a panel interview chaired by either Professor Richard Dobson and Professor Vasa Curcin (CDT Directors) followed by informal discussion with prospective supervisors.
  4. If you have any questions related to the specific project you are applying for, please contact the main supervisor of the project directly.


For any other questions about the recruitment process, please email us at

 drive-health-cdt@kcl.ac.uk.



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