ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY, NUTRITION AND IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES?
DO YOU HAVE AN UNDERGRADUATE AND/OR POSTGRADUATE DEGREE RELATED TO EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY, NUTRITION AND HEALTH?
IF ‘YES’ – We have an exciting fees-funded PhD opportunity examining the effects of β-alanine supplementation on health-related outcomes in older adults with diabetes.
Ref: Beta-alanine and health-related outcomes.
Post: PhD fees-funded studentship
Department: Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research
Hours: Full-time
Closing date: 16:00 on 6th August 2021
Interview date: 24th or 25th August 2021
Start date: October 2021
Director of Studies: Dr Rebecca Jones ([Email Address Removed])
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Introduction
The Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research (ISPAR) at the University of Bedfordshire is pleased to offer a full-time PhD studentship researching the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on health-related outcomes in older adults with diabetes. The studentship will cover doctoral tuition fees for three years of study. Specific details are provided below.
The project | Beta-alanine supplementation and health-related outcomes in older adults with diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a global health challenge, producing negative consequences to both the individual and the wider community. The prevalence of diabetes in older adults is widespread, with ~20% of those aged over 75 years affected. Age-related insulin resistance appears to be primarily associated with adiposity, sarcopenia, and physical inactivity. Low-cost, tailored and safe approaches are needed to prevent and treat T2DM in older adults. Carnosine, a dipeptide consisting of β-alanine and L-histidine, has been identified in numerous tissues within the human body, including skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and the brain. Increasing the availability of carnosine could alter how these tissues function. Carnosine has significant potential for the prevention and treatment of long-term health conditions including T2DM, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Increasing the availability of free β-alanine, either via dietary or supplemental means, results in significantly increased skeletal muscle carnosine content. β-alanine, is a commercially available over the counter sports supplement.
The PhD programme will investigate the effect of β-alanine supplementation on health-related outcomes in older adults with diabetes. This will provide novel understanding of the mechanisms of action of carnosine and aims to provide a simple and cost-effective means to improve quality of life. The specific nature of each study is open for discussion, with proposed areas of interest highlighted by the candidate in the application proposal. The successful applicant will work with a multi-disciplinary team of leading academics and build an excellent knowledge and skill base for a future career within the field.
The institution
The University of Bedfordshire’s vision is to create a vibrant multi-cultural learning community enabling people to transform their lives by participating in excellent, innovative education, scholarship and research.
ISPAR capitalises on local, national and international opportunities for collaborative interdisciplinary cross-boundary research and innovation in health and wellbeing. A major goal of the institute is to understand the role of physical activity in promoting health across the lifespan, moving from research in the laboratory to real-life settings for implementation in various contexts.
The successful candidate will join our lively community of post-graduate researchers, comprising of a wealth of interests particularly in applied health, sport, physical activity and nutrition research. Our aim is to provide a liberal and dynamic environment for PhD students to explore their interests and evolve into becoming the next leaders in their field.
Supervisory team
This PhD will be supported by the following multi-disciplinary team of leading academics with a wealth of expertise in exercise physiology and nutrition; Dr Rebecca Jones ([Email Address Removed]; Director of Studies), Dr. Julia Zakrzewski-Fruer ([Email Address Removed]), Dr Jo Richards ([Email Address Removed]), Kev Wyld ([Email Address Removed]); Professor Angel Chater ([Email Address Removed]).
Expected outcomes
The expected outcomes of this PhD include a series of outputs that are suitable for dissemination via publication in highly-ranked academic journals, conference presentations and stakeholder-related activities. The findings are expected to inform future external grant applications.
Term
The studentship will commence in October 2021, initially for two years for the MPhil stage, progressing to PhD with a successful upgrade viva, subject to satisfactory progress. The studentship is available for ‘home’ students who meet the entry criteria. Please consult the University website for more information. The studentship will include tuition fees for a maximum of three years. Teaching opportunities at the University will be available. Information on Postgraduate Doctoral Loans can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan.
The candidate and entry criteria
· Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.1 degree in a relevant subject, such as Sport and Exercise Science, Nutrition, Health and Exercise or a related subject.
· An awarded Masters-level degree in a relevant subject is desirable, but not essential.
· Applicants should have experience or be interested in working with older adults.
· Experience in relevant research methods and physiological procedures, including assessing body composition, skeletal muscle strength and quality, cardiac function, metabolic health, and cognitive function, as well as quantitative data and statistical analysis.
· Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their ability in English, typically B2 level English qualification such as IELTS 7.0.
How to apply
Full details of the application process can be found on our Research Graduate School website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/rgs/apply.
Applicants must submit a 2000-word proposal highlighting the potential benefits of beta-alanine supplementation, thus increase carnosine concentrations on health-related outcomes, with a strong focus on older adults and individuals with diabetes. Proposals should include relevant literature and the identification of current gaps in the area. In addition to a CV, all applications should include a cover letter with supporting information on experience, skills and how these relate to the advertised studentship. Please also send a scanned copy of your highest degree and transcript where possible.
Once completed, please submit all documentation by email to both [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed] quoting the title ‘Beta-alanine and health-related outcomes’.
Checklist for applications
· Application form
· CV
· Contact details of two referees (at least 1 academic)
· 2000 word proposal
· Covering letting
· Highest qualification certificate/transcript
· ‘Beta-alanine and health-related outcomes’ in email subject title
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