PhD Studentship: Musculoskeletal and Health Outcomes from a Randomised Controlled Trial of a Behavioural Change Intervention for Weight Reduction.

Advert title: A randomised controlled trial into the effectiveness of the behavioural change and weight reduction programme via the Slimpod app: brain and psychological adaptations

Project advert

An opportunity for a doctoral student to contribute to exciting new studies investigating the brain and psychological outcomes of a behavioural change intervention for weight loss in obese adults.

• One of two related PhD projects on behavioural change and weight loss. The successful doctoral candidate will lead a randomised controlled trial, including participant recruitment and coordination of laboratory assessments.
• Focus on the brain and psychology research outcomes, using these to produce original research outputs for publication in medical journals.
• Master cutting-edge laboratory assessments of health and imaging using 3 Tesla MRI scanning to investigate brain biomarkers.
• Collaborate with clinical experts and patient groups, attend conferences and meet leading research experts.

Project aims and objectives

This project investigates the brain and psychological outcomes of a behavioural change intervention for weight loss. The aim of the randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of an audio/visual online coaching programme that leverages digital health technologies as part of a novel intervention that can be easily accessed by a wide audience. This will be compared with access to community dietetic assessment and dietary support.

The primary outcome is weight change, and secondary outcomes are eating self-efficacy, exercise confidence, quality of life and indicators of health status. Sub-studies will additionally determine how the intervention affects brain blood flow and metabolism in regions associated with appetite control, reward processing and self-regulation (the focus of this project), as well as changes to skeletal muscle size, strength, fat infiltration and energy metabolism (the focus of the related project).

Funding

The student will receive a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) is £20,780 for 2025/26.

Only Home students can apply. Home fees are covered.

Specific requirements of the candidate

• A bachelor or master’s degree in a relevant discipline (allied health, exercise sciences, biomedical sciences, neuroscience or a similar).
• Experience with physiological assessments from activities in a research or clinical environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Core skills include:

• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Familiarity with research methodologies and clinical guidelines.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

How to apply

Interested applicants can contact Jamie McPhee (j.s.mcphee@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion, but applications are welcome even without prior discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Science and Engineering, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences (or download the PGR application form).

You should provide a brief standard/narrative CV 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.

You will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Note that this is one of two closely-related projects. If you are interested in applying for both projects, then you must make separate applications for each because applications cannot be transferred from one project to the other.

Applications closing date: 3^rd July 2025

Expected start date October 2025

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