PhD Studentship in Exercise Physiology
- Trinity College Dublin
- 23rd July 2024
Location
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, TCD
Contract type
Full time
Contract duration
Fixed term
Bursary (if applicable)
Free tuition fees at the EU rate
Full description
NOTE: Applicants must have been resident in an EU member state for 3 out of the last 5 years to be
eligible for EU fees (or be an EEA or CH or UK citizen).
Post Summary
The Department of Physiology is seeking to appoint a PhD candidate in Exercise Physiology. The
successful candidate will work primarily on a research project to examine the cerebrovascular dynamic
responses subsequent to high-intensity interval vs moderate-intensity continuous training in men and
women with type 2 diabetes.
Context
People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have an increased risk for the development of cardiovascular disease,
dementia and Alzheimer’s disease than people without T2D. While exercise training is an effective
strategy to prevent cardiovascular and brain related disorders, the optimal exercise prescription for a
healthy brain in T2D is unknown. Moreover, the benefits of exercise training on the cerebrovasculature in
T2D are not well understood. This is highly relevant given that raising cerebrovascular blood flow by
exercise is associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, brain beta amyloid load and executive function in
healthy older individuals. Accordingly, the present research project will examine the effectiveness of
different intensity-specific aerobic exercise training protocols on brain circulation (measured by middle
cerebral artery blood flow) and cognitive function in men and women T2D.
Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post
• To participate in the recruitment and screening of hospital outpatients with type 2 diabetes, and
perform laboratory testing. Key laboratory measurements include oxygen uptake, muscle oxygenation
deoxygenation, blood pressure and middle-cerebral artery blood flow.
• Conduct a specified programme of research and scholarship.
• Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required.
• Support if required, the development of proposals for research funding.
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which you are engaged.
• Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities.
• Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research projects of undergraduate and
MSc students in your group and School.
• Carry out administrative and management work associated with your programme of research.
Person Specification
Qualifications
• The appointee must have a recent Bachelor’s degree (upper class) in Exercise Science,
Physiology, Biological Science or other closely related fields (Essential)
Knowledge & Experience
• Experience measuring and analysing cardiorespiratory, metabolic and/or vascular responses
during exercise in healthy and/or clinical populations (Desirable)
Skills & Competencies
• Proficient in scientific writing and spoken (in English) skills.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, take initiative and meet deadlines.
• Flexible, committed and problem-solving attitude.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit a full Curriculum Vitae to include the names and contact details of 2 referees
(including email addresses), to:- Dr. Mikel Egaña (megana@tcd.ie)
Ensure to use EPPhD and your name in the email “Subject” box.
Informal enquiries to: megana@tcd.ie.
Vacancy email address