Funding

Funded (UK/EU and international students)

Project code

SHES5140220

Department

School of Sport, Health, and Exercise Science

Start dates

February 2020

Application deadline

13 December 2019

This project is currently not accepting new applicants.

View all of our current research projects.

The project will be based in the School of Sport Health and Exercise Science and will be supervised by Dr Jo Corbett and Professor Mike Tipton.

The four-year project is funded by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for four years, an annual stipend (£15,009 for 2019/2020), and funds to cover required travel and laboratory research expenses.

The project will start in February 2020 and interviews will take place in the week commencing 13 January 2020.

The work on this project will:

  • Involve data collection in the field and laboratory setting to try and increase understanding of the risk factors for heat strain in military recruits

  • Develop countermeasures for preventing excessive heat strain, where appropriate

  • Be based in the School’s world leading Extreme Environments Laboratory

The aetiology of heat illness is not fully understood.  During this research project, you will work on a series of studies at the University of Portsmouth, and collect data in the field, to help increase understanding of the factors causing excessively high heat strain and heat illness.

This research will employ an interdisciplinary approach and will likely employ an array of whole body and biochemical research techniques, to examine and evaluate a range of candidate factors.

The research work will take place in the Extreme Environments Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth, using our specialised climatic chambers, which can control extremes of temperature, humidity and altitude. The Extreme Environment Laboratory has a world-leading reputation for our work examining the physiological, pathophysiological and psychological responses to adverse environments and the selection, preparation and protection of those who enter such environments.

Some data collection will take place in the field (venue subject to confirmation) and will require travel and possibly periods spent living away from home. A substantial amount of work is also likely to take place at other academic and non-academic institutions within the UK.

Entry requirements

You will need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo and successfully  obtain Security Clearance (SC). For further information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/security-vetting-and-clearance.

An interest in environmental physiology and experience of laboratory and/or fieldwork with human volunteers is desirable.

How to Apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Jo Corbett (jo.corbett@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code. 

When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form and select ‘Sports Science’ as the subject area. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

To be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SHES5140220 when applying.