Applications are invited for the above studentship commencing October 2013. This is an exciting opportunity to work within the newly formed ARUK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis (OA). This Centre is a unique collaboration of 7 Universities (Nottingham, Oxford, Loughborough, Leeds, Bath, Southampton and UCL) as well as Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust working towards a better understanding of the mechanisms relating sport, exercise, injury and OA. The investigating multi disciplinary team includes specialists in orthopaedics, rheumatology, sport and exercise medicine, physiotherapy, podiatry, epidemiology, occupational therapy, nutrition, sports science, skeletal muscle biology, bone and cartilage biology, psychology, physiology and biomechanics.
The rapid production of force by skeletal muscle is considered important to: (i) stabilise joints and prevent joint injury; (ii) maintain balance and prevent falls and subsequent injury. Joint injury is an important predisposing factor for the development of OA. The main themes of this project will be to better understand: (a) the role of explosive force production and its underlying neuromechanics, in movement control and joint stabilisation and (b) the effect of acute and chronic exercise on explosive force production, movement control and joint stabilisation. This project will utilise a range of neuromuscular and biomechanical techniques including isokinetic dynamometry, neural and muscular stimulation, motion analysis, inverse dynamics and electromyography amongst others.
Applicants should have a good first degree in Sport & Exercise Science or related subject area. Previous relevant research experience or a Masters degree would be advantageous. In addition, applicants should have excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as confidence in research methods.
The studentship provides a stipend of £13,726 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for up to three years.
Informal enquiries about the project should be made to Dr Jonathan Folland (J.P.Folland@lboro.ac.uk) and Dr Matthew Pain (M.T.G.Pain@lboro.ac.uk)
Information about the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and details about the application process can be found by clicking the Apply link below.
The closing date for applications is Monday 1st July 2013.