The University of Exeter’s College of Life and Environmental Sciences is inviting applications for an MbyRes studentship funded by Pukka Herbs. For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees for 1 year full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in Sport & Health Sciences at the St Luke’s Campus in Exeter. The start date is somewhat flexible for the right candidate but it is anticipated that the successful candidate will start their studies between May and September 2022.
Project Description:
Loss of muscle strength and bulk is a problem with advancing age. We have previously shown that a herbal supplement called shatavari can improve muscle strength in postmenopausal women. Shatavari might increase how much force a given muscle can produce. It may also increase the amount of muscle that can be ‘grown’ during strength training. This project will combine resistance training and placebo or shatavari supplementation in women aged over 60 years. It will help us to learn more about how shatavari improves muscle strength. This will inform best practice for using shatavari to prevent muscle loss. The project will utilise state-of-the-art techniques, including molecular analyses of markers of muscle adaptation to exercise as well as laboratory-based tests of human study participants.
This studentship offers:
- Hands-on mentoring and support as a member of the Bioactives and Exercise Research Group
- Outstanding training in both in vivo and ex vivo human physiology research, based in a department with an international reputation for excellence
- Opportunities to develop transferrable skills, including oral and written communication expertise
This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees for 1 year. For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee.
International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do an MbyRes.
The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Please contact [Email Address Removed] rather than the supervisory team for such enquiries.
Entry Requirements
Essential criteria:
- Undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1 UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK) in a relevant discipline (e.g. physiology, sports science, medical sciences, biochemistry, medicine or related fields)
- Evidence of clear motivation to complete an MbyRes and an understanding of what MbyRes research entails
- Evidence of the ability to work collaboratively and to engage in a diverse community
- Evidence of excellent written and oral skills in English. If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level (Profile B) as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/
Full training will be provided for the successful applicant and we encourage all candidates who meet the criteria above and who are enthusiastic about this opportunity to apply. However, candidates may wish to highlight if they possess any of the following desirable skills:
- Specialist knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas:
- Bioactive supplementation
- Molecular mechanisms underpinning adaptations to resistance training
- Training in research methodology (e.g. undergraduate research projects)
- Research outputs (e.g. papers) and/or other indicators of academic excellence (e.g. awards)
How to Apply
In order to formally apply for the PhD Project you will need to go to the following web page.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=4414
The closing date for applications is 1st March 2022.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone: 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) or +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers). Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor.
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