PhD Studentship: Influence of phytochemical administration on inflammation, redox balance and muscle regeneration following exercise in older and younger adults

Reference number: SSEHS/TC
Start date of studentship: 1 October 2020
Closing date of advert: 26 June 2020
Interview date: July/August

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Tom Clifford
Secondary supervisor: Dr Stephen Bailey, Dr Neil Martin and Professor Nicolette Bishop

This project will examine the effects of phytochemicals on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and muscle function in older and younger adults. The successful candidate will have the chance to work with world leading experts in a department ranked number 1 in the world for sports related subjects. The candidate will also benefit from an expert supervisory team and world-class facilities. The PhD is suited to an individual with a background/interest in the following areas: physiology, exercise science, sports and clinical nutrition, biomedical science.

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences has been ranked 1st in the world for Sport-related Subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020).

Full Project Detail:

Inflammation and redox related sequalae are central to the pathology of several disorders, including muscle dysfunction, frailty and sarcopenia; thus, strategies to manipulate these physiological processes are of significant interest to the exercise science and medical community. Increased dietary phytochemical (plant metabolites) intake has emerged as a potential strategy for reducing inflammation, mitigating redox disturbances, and improving mobility, muscle regeneration and cellular adaptations throughout the life course. However, much of the evidence for these beneficial effects is derived from cell or animal studies, while effects in humans remain scarce.

Broadly, the overarching aims of this PhD are to examine the effects of phytochemicals on markers of muscle recovery, redox status, inflammation and exercise induced adaptations in younger and older adults.

Find out more:
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/staff/tom-clifford/

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a sport, biomedical, physiology or nutrition science degree. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: physiological exercise testing and clinical biochemistry testing.
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The project is due to start in October 2020 or January 2021 (to be agreed by candidate and supervisor) and funding will last for 3 years from the start date.

Contact details:

Name: Dr Tom Clifford
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 (0)1509 228181

How to apply:

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select “School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences”.

Please quote reference number: SSEHS/TC