UEL PhD Studentship: Cardiovascular Adaptations following Isometric Exercise Training in Clinical Populations

Director of Studies: Dr Andy Galbraith (A.J.Galbraith@uel.ac.uk)

Description:

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship to undertake research in the area of Cardiovascular Adaptations following Isometric Exercise Training in Clinical Populations, within the Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Group (https://uel.ac.uk/our-research/research-school-health-sport-bioscience/applied-sport-exercise-sciences-research-group-assrg), University of East London. 

Hypertension is recognised as the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. Global initiatives towards the prevention and treatment of arterial hypertension are centred around non-pharmacological lifestyle modification. In recent years, Isometric exercise training (IET) has emerged as an effective novel exercise intervention with consistent evidence of reductions in blood pressure superior to that seen with traditional guideline-recommended exercise modes. However, most IET research has been largely limited to healthy participants, and before the transition of IET into clinical practice can be justified and practically implemented, there are several important gaps in the current literature to address. This PhD studentship is aimed to bridge the existing gap between efficacious scientific data and the real-world clinical application of IET. This will involve investigations into the cardiovascular and wider physiological benefits of IET in real-world clinical patients who may benefit most from this interventional approach. 

Value of the Award:

Full tuition fees (UK rate), a tax-free stipend of up to £21,237 per annum and core research costs (bench fees) for three years.

The position is open to home applicants. International applicants who are prepared to pay the tuition fees difference between the international and UK can also apply. 

Eligibility and entry requirements:

Applicants must have an excellent honours degree (1^st class or 2:1 or international equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Science, or relevant discipline, along with a relevant MSc. Evidence of undertaking a laboratory based, primary research project is essential. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cardiovascular and exercise physiology with research experience of physiological testing in clinical populations. Applicants must also have excellent communication skills and a very high level of written and spoken English. Where English is not the applicant’s first language, a minimum IELTS Academic English score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components is required.  

The holder of the studentship will be expected to:

Complete their doctoral studies and submit their dissertation within 3 years. 

Prepare papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals. 

Participate in and contribute to the research activities of the School.

Application Process: 

Eligible applicants should apply by sending academic CV and a covering letter by email to HSB PGR Admin hsb.pgr.admin@uel.ac.uk

When sending documents by email please state the project title and name of the Director of Studies in the subject.

Closing Date and Start Date:

Informal enquiries about the studentship should be addressed to the Director of Studies stated above.

The closing date for completed applications is 2 August 2024. 

Interview date to be confirmed. 

Start date will be October 2024.

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