PhD Studentship (Exercise Physiology)

Reference: 036524

Employer: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine,
Trinity College Dublin

Contract: Full time, fixed term

Salary: Stipend of €18,500 per annum and free EU fees
(Including EEA, Switzerland, and UK citizens)

Full description
The Human Exercise Physiology Research Group at the Department of Physiology is seeking to appoint
a PhD candidate in Exercise Physiology. The successful candidate will work primarily on a Science
Foundation Ireland funded 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 middlecerebral 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 oxygenationdeoxygenation, blood pressure and middle-cerebral artery blood flow.
• Conduct a specified programme of research and scholarship.
• Engage in appropriate training (in Ireland and in the US) 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.

Funding Information
The project is funded by Science Foundation Ireland.

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)
• A Master’s degree in one of the aforementioned disciplines (Desirable)
Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable)
• 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 website address
https://www.tcd.ie/hr/

Vacancy email address
megana@tcd.ie