PhD Study : Circadian Rhythms and the Response to Exercise

Summary

The potential health benefits of exercise have been the subject of intense scientific scrutiny, especially in the past century as morbidity and mortality rates from chronic diseases have risen (Zierath & Wallberg-Henriksson, 2015). Regular exercise reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression, osteoporosis and some cancers (Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, 2015).  The biological mechanisms through which exercise elicits protective health effects are well-studied, but remain incompletely understood.

For instance, research from our own lab has shown that exercise promotes a controlling influence on blood vessel function, redox homeostasis (oxidative stress) and inflammation (McClean et al., 2007; McClean et al., 2015, Brown et al., 2018). However, the extent to which different patterns and intensities of exercise influence such findings is equivocal. In recent years, a focus to incorporate important aspects of circadian biology into the physiological and molecular responses to exercise has also emerged (Wolff & Esser, 2019).

Presently, it is unknown how circadian rhythms (or the time of day) affect the response to acute and chronic exercise, as well as the health-related outcomes. Applying circadian principles to exercise interventions hold promise for improving the outcomes for exercise for healthy subjects, clinical populations, and athletes (Gabriel & Zierath, 2019; Wolff & Esser, 2019). This is important, particularly given the challenges of scheduling regular exercise into a modern busy lifestyle. It is also important in the context of other behaviours like sleep and food intake that can be affected by disturbances to circadian rhythm and exercise.

This project will examine the impact of circadian rhythm on acute and chronic exercise responses in relation to:

1.Exercise differing by type, intensity and pattern;

2.Selected metabolic, vascular and molecular markers such as risk factors for chronic disease development.

This studentship will involve several linked studies using several experimental techniques. This PhD project would suit a graduate from Sport and Exercise Science, Biomedical Science, Human Nutrition or a related area. Applicants should have good knowledge of Exercise Physiology and experience of wet laboratory techniques is advantageous. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively through oral and written means is also desirable.

References will be requested for shortlisted candidates.

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• 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
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living