PhD Studentship - Understanding Muscle Metabolism Responses to Feeding in Adult Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

The GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme is offering up to 18 MRC funded studentships across a range of biomedical disciplines, with a start date of October 2027.

These four-year studentships provide funding for fees and stipend at the rate set by the UKRI, as well as other research training and support costs, and are available to UK and International students.

This project is in competition for place with the projects across the MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award studentships. There are a total of 18 studentships available across the partnership.

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) experience premature frailty (age 44) defined by muscle atrophy. Muscle protein synthesis is crucial for muscle growth and relies on physical activity and dietary protein; however, observational data showed that protein intakes in ALL survivors do not differ from the general population, suggesting that the skeletal muscle may have an inability to respond normally to dietary stimuli, known as anabolic resistance. This study will explore if anabolic resistance is the cause of frailty in ALL survivors in response to diet. The results will guide the design of tailored dietary and exercise interventions.

These studentships are funded through GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme and consist of UK tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated each year).

Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is also available.

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