PhD Studentship: Development and Evaluation of a Method to Assess Nutritional Quality of Dietary Lipids in Food

Project Title: Development and evaluation of a method to assess nutritional quality of dietary lipids in food

Lead Institute / Faculty: Medicine

Main Supervisor: Professor Philip Calder

Other members of the supervisory team: Dr Nida Ziauddeen

Start date:  01/10/2023

Project description:

Recommendations to limit dietary saturated fat intake to prevent chronic diseases have been issued by many organizations and advisory bodies. However, new scientific findings suggest that not all saturated fats have a detrimental effect for cardiovascular diseases. In addition, a large body of evidence suggests that unsaturated fats have a positive impact on health.

The health impact of individual fatty acids is also modulated by the food matrix and the quantity and quality of other macronutrients in a food. Therefore, a more holistic approach to assess the nutritional quality of fat in the diet is needed. The project aims to develop and validate a new method (algorithm, score, or index) to evaluate and communicate about the quality of fats in foods and in food products.

The project will also study if the new method correlates with the healthfulness of different product categories and diets, as well as relevant biomarkers.

The successful candidate is likely to have the following qualifications:

• A 1^st or 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline and/or second degree with a related Masters.

Funding information:

Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK applicants.  This PhD studentship is fully funded for four years by BBSRC and industrial sponsor. 

Amount of stipend £17,668 per year from BBSRC plus a £1,540 enhancement from the industrial sponsor, plus fees and a contribution towards research costs at UK residency rate only.

Administrative contact and how to apply:

Please complete the University's online application form, which you can find at

https://student-selfservice.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=7209&majr=7209&term=202324

You should enter Professor Philip Calder as your proposed supervisor.

To support your application provide an academic CV (including contact details of two referees), official academic transcripts and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date).

Informal enquiries relating to the project or candidate suitability should be directed to Professor Philip Calder (pcc@soton.ac.uk).

Closing date:  21/04/2023

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