BBSRC iCASE PhD studentship with industrial collaboration (GSK) – Mechanistic studies on the effects of exercise and its associated environmental stresses on health and wellbeing

Supervisors: William McAuley (UH), Lindsy Kass (UH) and Nidhin Raj (GSK)

An active lifestyle is important for both the physical and mental wellbeing of people of all ages. However an active lifestyle can have negative effects, e.g. impacting on skin health, particularly for those with underlying skin conditions. Regulation of the skin’s barrier function is under tight biological control and is known to be damaged under a range of environmental conditions. Exercise related factors that can affect skin health include increased exposure to sunlight, sweat, microbial infection and trauma. Other relevant areas of research may include allergy, pain, oral health, respiratory issues and wellness. This study will provide a comprehensive, fundamental understanding of the effects of exercise and its associated environmental stresses on various aspects of health and wellbeing. Such information will be invaluable in empowering individuals to make choices, improving their access to the benefits of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

This very interdisciplinary project will compare different modalities of training and a sub-sample will be assessed on a regular basis for key physiological responses including skin characteristics, cardiac function, haematology, respiratory responses, metabolic responses and training characteristics. This project has an enormous real—world application as the outcomes will better inform the users how to minimise or avoid negative consequences of exercise.

The PhD programme will allow the successful applicant to experience a wide range of experimental methodologies including biophysical, biochemical and microbial assessments and will involve working closely with athletes through the Sport Science team at the University of Hertfordshire. Also, this work will provide much scope for independence, publication and attendance at scientific conferences. The lab is well equipped, and the student would join a well-established and supported group working on a set of related projects. The successful student will also gain experience of working closely with the industrial partner as a part of BBSRC-Industry collaboration.

Eligibility
Students should have a good degree i.e. a 2.1 or higher in a biological or chemical science or a related subject such as pharmacy or pharmaceutical science, or a suitable Masters degree and have excellent problem-solving skills.
If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no component lower than 5.5 is required.
Studentships funded by the BBSRC are subject to UK/EU residency eligibility. For further information please see;
https://bbsrc.ukri.org/skills/investing-doctoral-training/case-studentships/

Funding Notes
The award includes cover for UK/EU tuition fees and subject to eligibility a stipend at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) recommended rates. For 2019 – 2020 this is set at £15,009. For exceptional candidates an enhancement to the value of the stipend may be available. Additional funding to cover research costs, conference attendance and the industrial placement is also included.

Start date and duration
October 2019. The funding covers a four year PhD, including time for a placement with industry partner Glaxosmithkline (GSK).

Application process
For informal enquiries please contact Dr William McAuley ([Email Address Removed]) directly.

To apply for the studentship please complete the application form:
https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/31105/uh-application-form.pdf
and email it with a copy of your CV to [Email Address Removed]. You should provide the title of the PhD project in the subject line of the email.

The closing date is the 14th August 2019. If you have not had a reply within 3 weeks of the deadline, you have unfortunately been unsuccessful on this occasion.