PhD Studentship: Nutritional Supplements and Sports Performance, Assessment of Current Evidence and Practices

Competitive athletes of various standards are continually striving to enhance exercise performance outcomes. A common approach to enhance exercise performance and post-exercise recovery is the consumption of dietary supplements. There are several macronutrients and micronutrients with performance enhancing effects. Many studies have assessed the efficacy of a single dietary supplement to enhance exercise performance in different exercise settings. However, in practice, many athletes use dietary supplement blends comprising different macronutrient and micronutrient combinations including certain active or functional components. Therefore, further research is required to assess the effects of different dietary supplement blends on performance outcomes in a variety of exercise settings.

Working with an industry partner you will conduct a series of investigative processes (e.g. systematic reviews, meta-analyses, observational and intervention studies), to evaluate the efficacy and current usage of different micronutrients, macronutrients and specific active components to improve performance

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in sport and exercise science, human nutrition, human physiology, biochemistry, food science or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the above subjects will be an advantage.

It is also desirable that applicants have the following skills/ experiences:

• Experience or a working knowledge in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Experience in conducting human nutrition and exercise trials
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to critically appraise scientific methodology and data
• Ability to work well individually and as a member of a larger research team

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information: The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 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 via the above 'Apply' button. Under programme name, select Sport Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/SME25 in your application.

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

You do not need to include a research proposal.

Please contact Dr Stephen Mears (s.a.mears@lboro.ac.uk) with any questions you have about the application process and/or your suitability for the role.

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