PhD Studentship: Plastic Pollution as an Anthropogenic Threat to Human Health: The Impact of Nano- and Microplastics Accumulation on Skeletal Muscle Function

Award Summary: Fully funded PhD (100% tuition fees and annual stipend of £18,622) starting September 2024, full time for 3-3.5 years fixed term. 

Project Overview: This PhD aims to examine the impact of nano- and microplastic accumulation on skeletal muscle function and will provide important insight into the threat of plastic pollution to human health. Recent evidence suggests that microplastics can accumulate in biological tissues, including skeletal muscle. However, the impact of plastic particle accumulation on physiological and functional capacity of skeletal muscle is largely unknown and has resulted in a call to action from experts in the field to better understand the impact of plastic pollution on human health. 

Based on world-leading expertise in evaluating isolated skeletal muscle function and utilising equipment exclusive to Coventry University, this PhD will establish the effect of nano- and microplastic accumulation on skeletal muscle function. This is especially significant given that impaired muscle function is an independent marker of disease and all-cause mortality. Specifically, the PhD will examine the effects of plastic particle size and dose on skeletal muscle function, explore if detrimental effects can be reversed, and establish if an interaction exists between plastic particles and other known pollutants suggested to affect skeletal muscle health. This interdisciplinary research will therefore provide necessary data to support robust human health risk assessment of the impact of plastic particle pollution. 

Professional Development: The PhD will be hosted within the Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Science where we understand the importance of creating an effective research environment to foster growth, development, and a culture of research excellence. We are committed to nurturing postgraduate research students, equipping them for successful careers. We offer structured opportunities to develop and lead ground-breaking research projects, support innovation, and cultivate active participation in academic communities. An important element of the research environment is the exclusive access to cutting-edge equipment within our state-of-the-art research facilities that help to empower postgraduate research students to conduct experiments that push the boundaries of knowledge, fostering innovation and excellence. 

The successful applicant will benefit from supervision from an interdisciplinary team with international reputation/expertise in the fate of microparticles and in molecular responses and measurement of contractile function in skeletal muscle.

Entry criteria for applicants to PhD 

• A bachelor’s (honours) degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum classification of 2:1 and a minimum mark of 60% in the project element (or equivalent), or an equivalent award from an overseas institution.
  PLUS 
• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years
• An adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English. The general requirement is a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four sections, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections.

For further details please visit: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/research-entry-criteria/

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/

All applications require a covering letter and a 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.  

Queries: For further details contact Dr Jason Tallis (ab0289@coventry.ac.uk).

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