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  Graduate Teaching Assistant PhD Scholarship - Sheffield Hallam University: For Sarcopenia: Machine Learning for Maximum Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength


   Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre

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  Dr Chuang-Yuan Chiu, Dr David Rogerson, Dr Steve Thompson  No more applications being accepted  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

Applications are invited for a Graduate Training Assistant PhD 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 (4* - the remaining 20% 3*) and 100% of our research environment judged to be 3* or 4*. Our innovative and applied research is funded through research councils and charities grants, in addition to investment from companies and organisations in the sport and physical activity industry. Staff have well-established national and international collaborations with academics and industry/clinical partners. We have a community of approximately 45 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.  

GTA students will be registered for a Doctorate, alongside which they will contribute to up to 180 hours per academic year of support for teaching related activity in their respective specialist area within the Health Research Institute. This activity forms part of the scholarship award and there is no additional payment for it.  

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: For Sarcopenia: Machine Learning for Maximum Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength 

Muscular mass and strength play a crucial role in physical activities ranging from leisurely pursuits to high-performance sports. Unfortunately, sarcopenia, a condition that involves muscle loss and limited mobility, can diminish physical independence. Research conducted with the UK Biobank reveals that probable sarcopenia may afflict up to 5% of individuals, with annual healthcare costs exceeding £2.5 billion for those with muscle weakness in the UK. Resistance training is a proven method for building muscle mass and strength to prevent sarcopenia. This project aims to utilize big data analysis and machine learning techniques to develop an advanced expert system that automatically designs effective intervention programs. By inputting data on human muscle mass and strength, the system can improve health outcomes for older populations by increasing their muscular mass and strength.

We strongly encourage all applicants to contact the Director of Studies: Dr Chuang-Yuan Chiu ([Email Address Removed]) or member of the supervisory team 1st supervisor: Dr David Rogerson ([Email Address Removed] 2nd Supervisor, Dr Steve Thompson ([Email Address Removed]) prior to completing an application. 

Eligibility

Applicants should hold a BSc (1st or 2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) in sport or exercise science, mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or a related area. An MSc qualification or work experience in a related area is desirable. 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. 

More details of our entry requirements can be found here: PHD Sport and Physical Activity Full-time 2023 | Sheffield Hallam University (shu.ac.uk)

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 PHD Sport and Physical Activity Full-time 2023 | Sheffield Hallam University(shu.ac.uk) 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, weeks commencing 12 & 19 June 2023 


Biological Sciences (4) Engineering (12) Medicine (26)

Funding Notes

The GTA scholarship is for three and a half years full-time study, subject to successful progression, and provides tuition fees at UK/EU levels, currently £4596 and an annual stipend at the living wage foundation rate of £18,178 per year in the academic year 22/23. This stipend payment will increase annually based on the rate set by the living wage foundation for the duration of the scholarship.
International applicants should note that 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.

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