The School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, at the University of Birmingham, is currently offering a fully funded 3-year PhD Studentship for 2023 entry to investigate mechanisms and countermeasures to muscle weakness associated with ageing. The studentship will start in September 2023.
PLEASE NOTE:Due to the funding requirements, this studentship is only available to those who are classed as a “home student”. For more information, please check the following page: View Website.
The PhD is funded by The Dunhill Medical Trust and the University of Birmingham. The studentship is one of four funded positions through The Dunhill Medical Trust Multiple PhD Training Programme, which will train the next generation of researchers to advance the understanding of the mechanisms of physical weakness (dynapenia) associated with ageing, and to find new effective ways to either stall or reverse these changes.
Two key changes that are clearly responsible for a loss of strength and associated with ageing are reductions in the efficacy of i) skeletal muscle and ii) the nervous system (both central and peripheral). As a result, the complex interaction between these two systems is likely to be significantly disrupted, but this has not yet been thoroughly extensively investigated. This PhD programme to study the whole CNS-muscle axis in concert to attain individual and collective contributions on the component parts. As part of the programme, this studentship will focus specifically on delineating the influence of changes in neural excitability and neuromuscular drive on muscle anabolic potential in old age. This studentship will run synchronously and overlap with the other three projects in the programme, to deliver a step-change in our understanding of the role of disuse/inactivity in accelerating CNS-muscle derived mechanisms of weakness, and the potential for novel loading strategies to alleviate this process
This studentship will be supervised primarily by Prof. Leigh Breen and Dr. Eduardo Martinez-Valdez as part of The Dunhill Medical Trust Multiple PhD Training Programme, which is led by Dr. Ned Jenkinson and supported by academics across the school with expertise in this field. Accordingly, the student will work closely with the other three students on the Multiple PhD Training Programme and receive mentorship from academics affiliated to the project to ensure a truly integrative approach is achieved, whilst allowing the student to pursue the specific topic area outlined above.
Entry Requirements: We are looking for a highly talented and dedicated PhD candidates with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in the fields of sport/exercise sciences, neuroscience, physiology, biochemistry or related subject area.
Essential skills: Applicants should have a research-oriented background. The position is more suited for a researcher with a masters level degree or equivalent – though this is not a prerequisite. They should have an interest in the physiological mechanisms that might contribute to weakness in old age, both muscular and neurological. Candidates should have good organization and time-management skills, a positive problem-solving attitude, and strong teamwork skills.
Desirable skills: Good statistical and computer skills, experience with physiological experimental lab techniques, experience in muscle and blood biochemistry techniques. We will also consider applicants who do not yet have these skills and are highly motivated to learn them with our help and guidance during the project.
To apply: To be considered for this PhD, please complete the application form available online here. Please email this application form, together with a cover letter/email, your CV, and a transcript of your degree to Dr Ned Jenkinson via email: [Email Address Removed] by April the 10th. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide two references and will be interviewed shortly after the deadline.
Funding Notes
Successful candidates will receive a full award paying fees and maintenance at the standard Research Council stipend rates for three years (£17,668 per annum) with tuition fees covered.
Informal enquiries about the studentship and the Multiple PhD Training Programme should be directed to Prof Leigh Breen [Email Address Removed] and Dr Ned Jenkinson [Email Address Removed]
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