PhD Studentship: Sex and age-appropriate training for female racing car drivers; the effects of ovarian hormones on [training and competition] performance and health in female adolescent Formula racing drivers

This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237.

Project advert

There is a shortage of high-quality data relating to female endocrinology and exercise physiology, which is amplified in elite female athletes, including elite female Formula drivers. This lack of knowledge and understanding has limited the appliance of science in elite female Formula drivers. As such, there are currently no bespoke, fit-for-purpose, evidence-based guidelines for female drivers to follow, which clearly needs to be addressed.

This PhD programme will examine the ovarian hormonal profiles of elite female adolescent Formula drivers, to investigate if there is a relationship between reproductive status and [driving-related] performance [training and competition] and health[illness/injury]. The results of this work will contribute to a growing body of top-class research on elite sportswomen, and other ongoing projects at the world class Institute of Sport in professional and Olympic sports, with a view to one day providing scientific evidence to support female drivers from both a sports performance and health perspective, thus empowering the women’s Formula driving.

Project aims and objectives

This project aims to investigate if ovarian hormone profiles have an impact on Formula driving-related performance (both training and competitive) and health (including both illness and injury) in elite female adolescent Formula drivers.

This project will provide:

• A high-quality dataset; exceeding previous published methodological standards
• A novel dataset; addressing gaps in current knowledge and understanding
• An insight into elite female Formula drivers, who are currently an understudied population
• Guidance for female drivers; providing guidelines on the effects of different hormonal profiles on driving-related performance and health
• Support to More Than Equal’s mission to find the first female Formula 1 world champion

Specific requirements of the candidate

We are looking for a PhD researcher to investigate the effect of different ovarian hormonal profiles on aspects of Formula driving-related performance and health in elite female adolescent Formula drivers. These studies will employ the current gold-standard techniques available in the area of female endocrinology and exercise physiology and aim to contribute high-quality datasets to this field of research. As such, applicants should have:

• Knowledge and some experience of standard research techniques and methods within sport and exercise science, and the ability to develop skills further in this area, particularly in female physiology;
• The ability to collate, interpret, and analyse data;
• A keen and active interest in female endocrinology and exercise physiology.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Kirsty Elliott-Sale for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Female Health (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the (Narrative CV) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: 14 October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students. This opportunity is not available for International students. 

Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-Ovarian-Formula-Racing

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