Dr T O'Brien
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the Project
Project Details
Up to two thirds of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are significantly muscle wasted. Known as rheumatoid cachexia, this condition is a major contributor to the disability that characterises RA. This project will investigate whether oral creatine supplementation is an effective treatment for rheumatoid cachexia, by assessing whether it increases muscle mass and improves physical function, whilst also exploring underlying biochemical and molecular adaptations.
If this project is successfully completed, the research group would seek further funding to allow the candidate to progress to PhD.
Context
The ReMeDES (formally Cachexia) research group, which is conducting this study, is internationally renowned for their work in the treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal diseases. The School is amongst the very best sport related subject departments in Britain and is recognised for the quality of its research. The School was placed in the top 10 in the UK for Sports Science in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, and 2nd among institutions who submitted at least 80% of staff. The School is situated in an idyllic setting on the banks of the Menai Straits and less than half an hour’s drive from the mountains of Snowdonia.
Funding Notes
The successful candidate will have full tuition fees paid, and will receive a maintenance grant of £2,500. No additional allowances are payable. Successful studentship applicants will be expected to supply around 60 hours per year of teaching/research assistance focused on a supervisor / research team as part of their development as an academic of the future. The successful applicant would also be eligible to apply for a further £1,000 bursary, guaranteed for those with a First Class undergraduate degree, and awarded on merit for those with a 2:1.