The impact of sedentary behaviour on physiological responses to stress

Application details:

Reference number: SSEHS/NP/18
Start date : October 1st 2018
Closing date: 25th June 2018
Interview date: Week commencing 16th July 2018

We are seeking a motivated individual with strong interests in health, physiology and/or behavioural medicine to undertake a PhD examining the impact of sedentary behaviour on physiological responses to stress. This studentship offers the opportunity to work with world-leaders in psychophysiological research and sedentary behaviour in a world-class setting.

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Full Project Detail:

Stress (e.g., an argument, completing a time-pressured task) is a risk factor for various non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Physiological responses to stress are key predictors of future NCD incidence. Elevated NCD risk is linked to poor health behaviours including sedentary behaviour, which is increasing globally due to changing lifestyles. The studentship will investigate the impact of sedentary behaviour on the physiological responses to both acute psychological and physiological (exercise) stress and will utilize a wide range of trans-disciplinary methods, encompassing cardiovascular (e.g., heart rate, autonomic function) and respiratory (e.g., spirometry) and some immunological assessments. The successful candidate will receive training in all assessments and techniques required for the PhD.

Find out more:

Dr Paine’s research: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/staff/nicola-paine/
Professor Hamer’s research: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/staff/mark-hamer/
SSEHS Research Environment: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/phd-pg-research/

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Sciences, Human/Exercise Physiology, or a Health-science related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Exercise Physiology, Health Psychology or a Health-science related subject. Applicants must also meet the minimum English Language requirements.

Desired attributes include experience within an exercise physiology environment for cardiovascular or respiratory-related work (e.g., dissertation/thesis work, employment/training), and/or an existing phlebotomy qualification. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team as well as working independently and have strong communication and excellent inter-personal skills.

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £14,777 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. International (non-EU) students may apply, and international funding may be available, but is competitive. If international funding is not attained, international students are welcome to apply, but please be advised that it will only be possible to fund the tuition fees at the international rate and no stipend will be available. This studentship is funded by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University and the Leicester Biomedical Research Centre.

Contact details:

Informal enquiries regarding the studentship should be directed to Dr Nicola Paine ([Email Address Removed]; Telephone: +44 (0)1509 228229).

How to apply:

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences.

Please quote reference number: SSEHS/NP/18