Funded PhD Studentship (2 of 3): Respiratory responses to heat stress and dehydration

The Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Brunel University London is offering three fully funded PhD studentships to conduct research into novel aspects of integration between respiratory physiology, human performance and health.

Based in the College of Health and Life Sciences http://www.brunel.ac.uk/chls, all three studentships will be funded by Brunel University London. Each studentship offers an annual London rate stipend of £16,296 plus Home/EU tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months. Start date is the 1st March 2017.
Overview
The projects will draw upon research expertise within the Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation (CHPER), which includes researchers from the Dept. of Clinical Sciences http://www.brunel.ac.uk/chls/clinical-sciences and the Dept. of Life Sciences http://www.brunel.ac.uk/chls/life-sciences working in the areas of physiology and physiotherapy. The programmes of research will contribute to the College’s growing reputation in these fields.
Funded PhD Studentship 2: Respiratory responses to heat stress and dehydration
The frequency of heatwaves is predicted to increase in the 21st century and forecasts are for future summers in Europe to become hotter. Accumulating evidence suggests that mortality and morbidity from respiratory causes increase during episodes of hot weather, however little is known about the mechanisms underlying the rapid deterioration of the respiratory health in hot weather. The aim of this project is to explore the maladaptation of the respiratory system in response to heat stress and dehydration in young and older adults.

The successful candidate will gain experience in state-of-the-art methodologies to measure respiratory mechanics and ventilatory constraint (intrathoracic pressures), pulmonary function (spirometry, plethysmography, impulse oscillometry), airway responsiveness (eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea and osmotic challenge tests) and various exercise testing and dehydration methodologies.

The project will be supervised by Dr Pascale Kippelen and Dr Oliver Gibson in the Dept. of Life Sciences. For informal discussions about this studentship, please contact Dr Pascale Kippelen at ([Email Address Removed]).

Applicants with prior experience in respiratory physiology, integrative human physiology and/or exercise physiology are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
Applicants must have a good undergraduate degree (first or upper second) in health/clinical/life sciences, sport and exercise sciences, human physiology, physiotherapy or a related science discipline. A postgraduate master’s degree is not essential, but is desirable. This studentship is open to residents of UK or EU member state only. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.0 in any section).
How to Apply
If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to [Email Address Removed] by Noon on 18th January 2017:

• An up-to-date CV.
• A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement stating the name of one of the three projects above and setting out why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
• A summary of your teaching experience or the teaching activities you feel you could support.
• Names and contact details for two academic referees.
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview. Applicants chosen for interview will be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions.

For further information about how to apply please contact the College of Health and Life Sciences Postgraduate Research Student Office on [Email Address Removed].