PhD Studentship - Investigating the Regulation of Liver Glycogen Metabolism: Insights from 13C Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Background

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a fully-funded PhD position at Manchester Metropolitan University in collaboration with Cargill Inc., a leading multinational food corporation. This project will explore the impact of different nutritional interventions on liver glycogen metabolism, utilizing state-of-the-art magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)—a cutting-edge, non-invasive technology housed within our institute. This PhD is ideal for a passionate and driven researcher looking to make a meaningful impact in the fields of nutrition, metabolism and exercise science.

The project

This PhD will investigate liver glycogen metabolism in response to dietary interventions and exercise, addressing critical gaps in current research. The project consists of three interconnected studies, which will non-invasively characterise glycogen metabolism in response to nutrition and exercise and advance our understanding of its regulation. The successful applicant will be based full-time at Manchester Metropolitan University, joining our vibrant, growing doctoral community within the Institute of Sport, accessing our cutting-edge facilities and receiving training in a variety of laboratory techniques including 13C MRS, indirect calorimetry and measurement of metabolic responses to nutrition and exercise. The outcomes of this research will have the potential to directly influence ingredient innovations in partnership with Cargill Inc., translating academic insights into real-world applications.

Project aims and objectives

1: Quantify liver glycogen metabolism through 13C MRS in response to the ingestion of different macronutrients

2: Quantify hormonal and metabolic responses contributing to liver glycogen synthesis in response to the ingestion of different macronutrients

3: Quantify changes in substrate metabolism during exercise in response to alterations in liver glycogen content

Funding

The student will be in receipt of a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) £20,780 for 2025/26.

Home and Overseas students can apply. Home fees are covered. Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding. 

Specific requirements of the candidate

Essential

• A first or upper second-class BSc honours degree in sport and exercise sciences, sport nutrition, nutrition or another related subject
• An MSc or equivalent degree in sport and exercise sciences, sport nutrition, nutrition or another related subject

Desirable

• Experience in conducting exercise testing with human participants, ranging from the assessment of physiological responses to exercise through to the examination of whole-body substrate metabolism
• Experience with MATLAB or similar data processing software

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Mark Hearris (M.Hearris@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion. 

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sports & Exercise Science

You should also complete a narrative CV addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.

You will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Applications closing date: 19^th May 2025

Expected start date: October 2025.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-MH-2025-Liver glycogen

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. Please ensure that you take into account our Inclusive and Diverse Culture Strategy when preparing an application.

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