Identifying the role of food additive emulsifiers in Crohn’s Disease

An exciting 3-year PhD studentship relating to diet and gut health is available for graduates with a BSc (First or Upper Second) or PgDip/MSc (Distinction or Merit) in dietetics. Eligible applicants must be registered dietitians with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Previous research experience or relevant experience would be an advantage. The studentship will commence in October 2017 and the successful applicant will be based at the Waterloo Campus of King’s College London, supervised by Professor Kevin Whelan. The studentship will include the opportunity to examine the association between the gut microbiome and response to dietary intervention.

Emerging evidence suggests that novel components of a Western diet, including food additives may play a role in gut inflammation such as that occurring in inflammatory bowel disease. The body of evidence stems from both observational and animal studies raising concerns regarding food additive emulsifiers. However, it is unknown whether these experiments can be translated in humans, a challenge this studentship will aim to address. This program of research will involve undertaking clinical and dietary research. Applicants must hold a BSc (First or Upper Second) or PgDip/MSc (Distinction or Merit) in dietetics and be a registered dietitian with the HCPC.

Application details:
The successful applicant will have excellent critical thinking and organisational skills. Informal enquiries about the PhD project can be made to: [Email Address Removed]. To apply, please email the following to [Email Address Removed]

(1) The interviews for this PhD project will be carried out the same day with those of a different PhD project carried out by the same research group (https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=87971&LID=922). Please note, if you fulfill eligibility criteria for both PhDs and wish to do so, then you can apply for both PhDs, however, only one application is required. Please indicate which PhD project(s) you are applying for.
(2) Full CV, including breakdown of the marks for your BSc and/or MSc, and details of the research project(s) in which you have been involved, plus the name and contact details of 2 referees, ideally one should be an academic referee (referees will be approached for shortlisted candidates, unless specifically requested not to on the CV).
(3) Supporting statement of no more than one page explaining why you are applying for this PhD, your interests in the PhD you are applying for (if both then please discuss both PhDs), how your skills and experience relate to this area and your career objectives.