Dr C Clarkin, Dr Philipp Schneider
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Bone adapts to mechanical loads by changing its overall geometry, microstructure and tissue properties such as degree of mineralisation. These functional bone adaptations are closely coupled to the bones’ vascular health, maintaining overall bone strength and fracture resistance. There is an acknowledged divergence in age-related bone fracture risk between men and women. Demanding exercise regimes are known to compromise bone health in women including athletes. Further, sexual dimorphism in fracture risk has been reported in young active individuals, with lower limb fracture occurrence reported to be 3-fold higher in women than men during military training.
This PhD studentship will utilise state-of-the-art imaging techniques and finite element modelling to assess bone microstructure and function following extreme exercise regimes used within the military and by athletes. This project offers a unique interdisciplinary programme at the engineering, life science, and biomedical interface with shared support from the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences and the Faculty of the Environment and Life Sciences at the University of Southampton. The student will directly collaborate with researchers at the School of Biological Sciences and μ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre, while benefiting from the exceptional opportunity to gain expertise in cutting-edge bioimaging technologies, computational engineering approaches and our translational efforts to change the life for the better, based on engineering and biomedical expertise.
The ideal candidate will have biomedical (imaging) experience and a good knowledge of computational engineering approaches with an interest in exercise physiology. Although biomedical science/biology/physiology graduates with a willingness to learn will also be considered.
Funding Notes
The project is funded for 3.5 years and welcomes applicants from the UK ; EU.and non-EU (International) Candidates must possess at least a 2:1 degree level (or equivalent) qualification and be willing to engage in cross-disciplinary research. International students will need to obtain an IELTS 6.5.
The project is funded for 3.5 years and welcomes applicants from the UK, EU and Internationals who have or expect to obtain at least an upper second class degree in Biological Sciences or allied subjects. Funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates of £ 15,285 per annum for 2020/21.
References
Applications for a PhD in Biological Sciences should be submitted online at:
https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4973&majr=4973&term=202021 Please place Claire Clarkin in the field for proposed supervisor.
General enquiries are encouraged ahead of application and should be made to C.E.Clarkin@soton.ac.uk
Any queries on the application process should be made to fels-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.
The University of Southampton and the School of Biological Sciences both hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, demonstrating their commitment to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. Due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. University benefits include onsite childcare facilities, state-of-the-art on-campus sports, arts and culture facilities, a full programme of events and a range of staff discounts.