SPERM DNA INTEGRITY AS LONGITUDINAL BIOMARKER FOR MALE LIFESTYLE ADAPTATION

Summary

In 2024, in collaboration with QUB, a new industry facing institute called the Future Medicines Institute was established. This is a £55M programme funded by Department of Economy NI and Industry partners, managed by the UKRI Strength in Places programme. This programme is a collaboration between regional Life and Health Sciences commercial and academic partners including Almac Discovery, Randox Laboratories, Almac Diagnostic Services, Diaceutics, Sonrai Analytics, Exploristics, Fusion Antibodies, and HIRANI. As part of this exciting programme Ulster University is pleased to announce that we are offering up to 10 studentships to help develop collaborative programmes of research between the partners and academic research at UU and QUB. Furthermore, these projects are specifically designed to develop skills and training that are needed by the regional Life and Health Sciences sector.

Sperm are uniquely sensitive to oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and toxic exposures. During spermatogenesis, tightly regulated chromatin remodelling results in extreme DNA compaction, which ordinarily protects genomic integrity. However, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and defective chromatin packaging can induce sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). The extent of SDF reflects both testicular and post-testicular influences, including systemic oxidative burden. Elevated SDF levels may therefore represent a downstream manifestation of broader physiologic stress and offer a unique window into early subclinical dysfunction before conventional clinical endpoints manifest, prompting evaluation of metabolic, hormonal, or lifestyle factors.

This PhD studentship will investigate whether measuring sperm DNA damage can provide a continuous biological marker of male wellness and physical performance. Adult male participants will take part in a six-month structured lifestyle programme that includes graded physical activity and personalised nutritional guidance. The study will assess whether improvements in lifestyle are associated with measurable changes in sperm DNA integrity over time.

Exploring sperm DNA damage as a dynamic marker of health, this research aims to determine whether it could be used to monitor the impact of lifestyle interventions. Ultimately, the findings may help establish a novel, measurable indicator of male wellbeing that bridges reproductive health and broader systemic health.

Applicants must have at least a 2.1 in Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences or related degree and some practical experience relevant to the project. Desirable criteria include a Masters degree and specific expertise relevant to the project. Applicants must be resident in the UK or Ireland.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Future Medicines Institute

Tuition fees will be covered in full and a stipend of £21,805 per annum will be paid for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status, or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or
• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.