PhD Studentship: Effect of Triglyceride Supplementation Before and During Endurance Exercise on Metabolism and Performance Responses in Trained Athletes

This project examines the effect of supplementation with specifically designed triglycerides in the days and weeks before, as well as during, prolonged endurance exercise, on endogenous and exogenous substrate use, and endurance performance. This will involve laboratory-based human data collection using endurance exercise to explore relevant metabolic, physiological, perceptual and performance outcomes.

The Doctoral Researcher will develop skills involved in running exercise nutrition/physiology intervention studies, collection and analysis of various human samples (e.g. blood by venepuncture/cannulation, urine, saliva etc.), the application of stable isotopes to study exogenous and endogenous substrate use, as well as the direct and indirect assessment of laboratory-based cycling performance.

This studentship is funded by an industry partner (Bunge Loders Croklaan B.V.) in collaboration with Loughborough University, and is based full-time at the in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University. Therefore, as well as receiving formal research training, presenting findings at scientific conferences, and publishing in the scientific literature, the Doctoral Researcher will also develop a strong understanding of how the nutrition industry operates, as well as presenting/translating findings to a wide array of industry and high-performance sport professionals.

Due to the tight turnaround between application and the PhD start date (1st October 2024), please note that interviews will be scheduled 15-16 August.

Primary supervisor: Dr Lewis James

Entry requirements:

Essential criteria:

• Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Sciences, Human Physiology, Human Nutrition or a related subject.
• Experience of human physiology/nutrition research.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a wider team and with members of the public.
• Strong communication and excellent inter-personal skills.
• Enthusiasm, passion and interest in sport and exercise nutrition.

Desirable criteria:

• An MSc in a relevant subject (e.g. Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Exercise Physiology etc.).
• An interest in endurance sport.
• Experience of physiology/nutrition assessments in athletes.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus fees.

To apply please click above 'Apply' Button. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/LJTC in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit minimum supporting documents and an accurate and up-to-date CV and a personal statement.

There is no need to submit a proposal for this PhD project.

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