This project explores how systems engineering expertise can be applied in healthcare. It focuses on designing, modelling and implementing a new whole‑person, symptom‑focused care pathway for people with multiple long‑term conditions, particularly in remote and rural settings.

The PhD sits within the wider SEISMIC SHIFT research programme, which aims to move healthcare away from condition‑based models towards symptom‑focused care pathways for people living with multiple long‑term conditions (MLTC). This shift presents significant clinical and scientific challenges, particularly in bringing together clinical knowledge and care processes across different specialties.

These challenges are especially evident for symptoms such as breathlessness or pain, which cut across multiple diseases and service boundaries. The impact of this shift – both on patient outcomes and on wider health system performance – has not yet been explored in MLTC or clinical symptom science research.

The PhD candidate will work closely with the cross‑disciplinary and cross‑sectoral SEISMIC SHIFT team, including NHS partners.

Further information

Due to the funding arrangements, this studentship is expected to commence on 1 October 2026, on‑site in Glasgow. However, the latest acceptable start date is 31 March 2027.

You'll be be joining the vibrant PhD Community at the University of Strathclyde in general, and the Leonardo Suite in the Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management in particular.

You'll be supported and embedded in the wider research and knowledge exchange ecosystems of:

• the SEISMIC SHIFT research project with NHS partners, in particular, across Scotland
• the department, faculty and University
• partnerships with professional and learned societies, including the Design Society with the Health Systems Design Special Interest Group

The Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (DMEM) has a dedicated postgraduate research (PGR) support structure, including the Director of Research, a PGR Lead, and specialist administrative support.

The department also works closely with faculty and University PGR officers, the University Doctoral School, and the Doctoral Centre at collaborator the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).

In the first weeks of the programme, the supervisory team will work with you to develop a detailed training plan for the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) to be completed during the PhD.