Applications are invited for a Graduate Training Assistant (GTA) scholarship in The Academy of Sport and Physical Activity (ASPA), hosted by the Sport and Physical Activity Research centre (SPARC), commencing 2 October 2023 (negotiable depending on circumstances).
SPARC conducts research activity in a number of key areas and hosts four Research Groups:
· Physical Activity, Wellness and Public Health
· Sports Industry Research Group
· Sports Engineering Research Group
· Sport and Human Performance
https://www.shu.ac.uk/research/specialisms/sport-and-physical-activity-research-centre
In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 88% of our research was rated as world-leading and internationally excellent (4* and 3*), with 80% of our research impact rated as world-leading. We have a community of postgraduate students in sport and physical activity who are at the heart of contributing to our research output. All doctoral students are supported by a comprehensive programme of doctoral training and encouraged to present their research findings at national and international conferences.
The GTA scholarship scheme aims to develop highly skilled postgraduate researchers and incorporates additional training and professional development, with the intention of providing opportunities for PhD students to develop rounded academic research focussed portfolio.
More information about the GTA scholarship scheme can be found here:https://www.shu.ac.uk/-/media/home/research/research-degrees/files/gta-scholarships-overview-of-scheme-for-applicants.pdf?sc_lang=en&hash=F4D6FDE7809DAFD448DB0D16E870A5D5
Project Title: Assessing strength training interventions for patients with cancer-related cachexia – a multi-disciplinary approach.
The proposed project will take a mixed methods approach to examine the feasibility of muscle strength-based exercise interventions with patients before, during and after their cancer treatments. We propose that delivering strength-based exercise interventions with patients during their cancer treatment could impact several mechanisms underlying the loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with cancer itself and its treatment, as well as alleviate declines in physical function and Quality of life in patients.
This loss of muscle mass cannot be fully reversed by conventional nutritional support (termed “Cachexia”) and leads to progressive functional impairment and affects up to 1 in 2 two people with cancer. This loss of muscle mass is most common in people with advanced pancreatic and lung cancer, as well as colorectal, head and neck, ovarian and liver cancers. The loss of muscle mass is driven by a loss of appetite leading to reduced food intake, malnourishment, and metabolic changes. This reduces patients’ tolerance to medical treatment and their ability to perform activities of daily living, reducing quality of life (QoL).
Despite the severe consequences of cachexia, it is an unmet patient need with no established treatment. Individuals from the most deprived areas are more likely to suffer from diseases linked to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, contributing to inequalities in treatment outcomes and negatively impacting the QoL of those most in need. Tackling these inequalities by improving support for people with cancer from disadvantaged communities who do not typically access support, must be a health service priority.
Evidence in support of the role of interventions to improve psychological and physical wellbeing in cancer patients and reduce the negative impact of cancer related side-effects at all stages of cancer treatment is growing rapidly. Those individuals who maintain muscle mass and quality could have lower prevalence of dose-limiting chemotherapy toxicity and more satisfactory therapy response.
We welcome applicants from across a range of backgrounds and would invite potential applicants to contact and meet with the research team prior to submission to discuss their ideas and potential structures for the PhD.
Applicants should hold a BSc (1st or 2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) in sport or exercise science, Psychology, Public Health or a related area. An MSc qualification in a related area is desirable, as would experience of working with clients or patients in health promotion or exercise settings. We are offering this as a full-time PhD scholarship. We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBTQIA+, BAME and disabled communities.
GTA scholarships are open to Home, EU and International applicants. Please be aware that the bursary will cover only the Home fee. Generally, the shortfall between the Home and EU/ International fee, currently around £10,300 per year, will need to be covered by the student for the duration of the studentship. As part of the Sheffield Hallam PhD scholarship programme, additional funding may be made available to assist International students with the fee gap as described above. This additional funding is limited, though, and will only be offered to exceptional International applicants. Allocation of this additional funding will be based on information obtained through the standard GTA recruitment process, and no additional application will be required.
Sheffield Hallam also has a mandatory English language requirement of IELTS 7, or equivalent language qualification, for all applicants to whom English is not their first language. This qualification should have been taken within the last two-years, with a score of at least 7 in all test areas.
Further information about equivalent English language qualifications can be found here:https://www.shu.ac.uk/international/international-experience-team/pre-arrival-and-visa-information/english-language-entry-requirements
To apply for the PhD studentship, please complete and submit an application form and provide a 2,000-word research proposal addressing the project title.
You can find our on-line application form on the ‘Apply Now’ section of the Sport and Physical Activity PhD page here https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/sport-and-physical-activity/phd-sport-and-physical-activity/full-time/2023 Please choose the option to apply for the October 2023 intake.
Please add the project title and the studentship you are applying for clearly within the 'Personal Statement' field of the application form.
Please submit your application form by the closing date of Wednesday 10 May 2023 at 12 noon GMT. Late applications will not be accepted.
For general enquires please contact the Health Research Institute Postgraduate Research Team via email at [Email Address Removed]
Provisional interviews, week commencing 12 & 19 June 2023