Post summary
Applications are invited undertake a full time PhD on the following project: The prevalence of low energy availability in endurance athletes and its effect on health.
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is a term used to describe the effects of low energy availability (LEA) on hormonal dysfunction, bone, cardiovascular and metabolic health and includes males and female athletes. Research within our research group found 22% of male Gaelic Football players are at risk of disordered eating, with 65% and 70% at risk of LEA at pre-season and mid-season. Although male endurance athletes are at risk of RED-s, research examining its effects over a competitive season has not been performed. RED-s could significantly effect hormonal, cardiovascular, bone and metabolic health. This research will determine the incidence of RED-s in male endurance athletes and examine the association between energy availability and bone biomarkers, hormonal functioning, immune health, appetite, stress, and cardiovascular health over the training season (before, during and after). This research will extend the work within our research group and address a topic which may affect be affecting the health of Irish athletes, without them currently being aware of it. This will be the first ever research performed in male endurance athletes over the training season, and lead to the development of a screening system to help diagnose RED-s in males, and assess its effects.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
· Honours Degree (minimum 2:1) or equivalent in Nutrition and Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Science or cognate area
Desirable
· MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition or cognate area
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
· Prior knowledge of nutrition, sports nutrition and nutrition related research
· Previous research experience with an understanding of the research process and methods
Desirable
· A good level of generic skills such as literature review skills, data-analysis, report writing would also be required
Skills & Competencies
Essential
· Experience in the use of nutritics for dietary analysis
· Good interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), organization and time management skills
· The candidate must be highly motivated with the ability to engage in independent, self-directed study and to use own initiative
· Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details.
Desirable
· Good IT skills, including Microsoft office and excel
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