PhD Studentship: Hydration, Metabolic Health and Physical Function Across Adulthood

This project takes an integrative physiology approach to understand how hydration/24-h water intake influence metabolic health and physical function in young/older adults, particularly in the context of climate change/global warming.

The project will involve laboratory-based human data collection (cross-sectional or intervention studies) to understand the impact of hydration/24-h water intake on metabolic health/functional outcomes in younger/older adults. This human data collection will be accompanied by in-vitro/ex-vivo experiments to investigate relevant intracellular signalling pathways.

The Doctoral Researcher will develop skills involved in running human/exercise nutrition intervention studies, the collection and analysis of various human samples (e.g. blood, urine, saliva, and potentially muscle), measurement of physical function through various laboratory-based tests, and molecular biology techniques (e.g. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis). There may also be the opportunity to apply stable isotope methods to study water balance using deuterium oxide.

This studentship is funded by the Leicester Biomedical Research Centre which is a collaboration between Loughborough University, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester. The BRC’s purpose is to translate scientific breakthroughs in these areas into diagnostic tests, preventions and life-saving treatments for patients.

Supervisors:

Primary supervisor: Dr Lewis James

Secondary supervisors: Dr Neil Martin; Dr Hannah Dugdale; Dr Jakob Škarabot

Entry criteria:

• Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Sciences, Human Nutrition, Human Physiology or a related subject. An MSc in a relevant subject would be an advantage.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a wider team and with members of the public
• Strong communication and excellent inter-personal skills
• Enthusiasm, passion and interest in the topic area

Fees and funding:

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £18,622 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.

How to apply:

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select SSEHS. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/LJBRC in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

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