Metabolic Risk Factors and Post-Partum Depression: A UK Biobank Population-Based Cohort Study.
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline: 25 October 2025
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: January 2026
For further details contact: Dr Kim Bul
Introduction
Unmet Healthcare Need
Worldwide almost 18% of women suffer from PPD. This is a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity across Western countries. The Women’s Health Strategy for England stresses that post-partum mental health support and its accessibility are limited. Untreated PPD is a major public health concern with high economic costs and severe adverse maternal, infant and family health consequences that can be prevented by offering suitable PPD treatment.
Vision
Understanding metabolic risk factors for PPD is important and will pave the way for novel interventions preventing adverse health outcomes in mothers. This studentship contributes to the long-term vision on the development, validation, and implementation of targeted perinatal mental health and lifestyle support. This integrated approach will provide a cost-effective and accessible intervention, reducing disease burden and economic costs.
Strategy
A recent population-based cohort study demonstrated that high glucose and triglycerides levels are associated with an increased risk of depression whereas high HDL-C levels are associated with reduced risk. While research has assessed these associations in women with PPD, studies are limited due to small sample sizes and short-term follow-up assessment. Understanding the impact of metabolic factors on PPD may help to identify risk profiles early so targeted prevention and support can be offered.
Aims
By using UK Biobank data this study aims:
- To evaluate the associations between metabolic risk factors and PPD;
- To identify metabolic risk profiles for developing PPD up to one-year post-partum.
Outcomes and Impact
This project provides a rigorous evaluation of the association between metabolic risks and PPD and will further identify metabolic risk profiles for PPD development. Timely identification of metabolic risks for PPD can contribute to targeted perinatal support. This will contribute to meeting the good health and well-being, sustainable development goals.
Project details
Background
A recent population-based cohort study demonstrated that increased levels of glucose and triglycerides increased future risk of depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders while increased HDL-C levels are linked to a reduced risk. With one out of ten women being diagnosed with PPD and insufficient support available, studies are warranted examining the association between metabolic risk factors and PPD, as well as metabolic profiles with the risk of developing PPD up to one-year post-partum.
The current studentship will contribute to the understanding of underlying metabolic risk factors for developing PPD. This is of utmost importance to decide upon targeted prevention and tailored perinatal support. Substantial and longitudinal research examining these associations is currently lacking. The first year focuses on synthesizing evidence in a systematic review on metabolic risk factors and PPD. The second year focuses on performing analyses using core data from the UK Biobank. The third year focuses on thesis write-up and formulating recommendations on how this shapes the intervention landscape for perinatal mental health. Throughout all phases patient and public engagement activities will be performed
Funding
Coventry University offers a jointly-funded PhD studentship to UK/EU and international students with Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi) in India.
Candidate will spend the first 21 months of the programme at Coventry and 21 months at IIITD.
Candidate will receive a monthly stipend and tuition fees will be waived for the duration of the programme
Candidate will receive the standard £875 Research Support Allowance over the course of the programme, plus up to £300 to attend one conference at which they have had a paper accepted as principal author after two years of registration.
Candidate can access the Laptop Loan Scheme at the University.
Travel, visa, health insurance, accommodation, and any other related costs are funded by the student whilst at each institution.
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities. Throughout the programme the candidate will have a joint supervisory team and work in close collaboration with stakeholders in both clinical and academic fields. The supervisory team offers a substantial track record in successful doctoral supervision and expertise in the thematic areas identified.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
Additional requirements
• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
• A good knowledge, understanding and/or experience in epidemiology and/or maternal health.
• Experience of (or willingness to quickly learn) about analyzing big datasets, e.g., UK Biobank.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and also as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to be based at Coventry University and IITD.
How to apply
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2,000 word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
Please contact for informal enquiries Dr Kim Bul
Apply to Coventry University
