Advert title: Game Design for Post Climate Futures: A Practitioner-led Approach
Project advert
We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral student to join our research team based in central Manchester (UK) to contribute to exciting new studies investigating the musculoskeletal outcomes of a behavioural change intervention for weight loss in obese adults.
What you’ll do:
- Lead a randomised controlled trial, including participant recruitment and coordination of laboratory assessments.
- Focus on the musculoskeletal and energy metabolism research outcomes, using these to produce original research outputs for publication in medical journals.
- Master cutting-edge laboratory assessments of health and imaging using 3 Tesla MRI scanning to investigate skeletal muscle and energy metabolism biomarkers.
- Collaborate with clinical experts and patient groups, attend conferences and meet leading research experts.
Project aims and objectives
The aim of the randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of an audio/visual online coaching programme that leverages digital health technologies as part of a novel intervention that can be easily accessed by a wide audience. This will be compared with access to community dietetic assessment and dietary support.
The primary outcome is weight change, and secondary outcomes are eating self-efficacy, exercise confidence, quality of life and indicators of health status. Sub-studies will additionally determine how the intervention affects brain blood flow and metabolism in regions associated with appetite control, reward processing and self-regulation (the focus of the related project), as well as changes to skeletal muscle size, strength, fat infiltration and energy metabolism (the focus of this project).
Funding
The student will receive a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) is £20,780 for 2025/26.
Only Home students can apply. Home fees are covered.
Specific requirements of the candidate
- A bachelor or master’s degree in a relevant discipline (allied health, exercise sciences, biomedical sciences, neuroscience or a similar).
- Experience with physiological assessments from activities in a research or clinical environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Core skills include:
- Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
- Familiarity with research methodologies and clinical guidelines.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
How to apply
Interested applicants can contact Jamie McPhee (j.s.mcphee@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion, but applications are welcome even without prior discussion.
To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Science and Engineering, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences (or download the PGR application form).
You should provide a brief standard/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, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.
Note that this is one of two closely related projects. If you are interested in applying for both projects, then you must make separate applications for each because applications cannot be transferred from one project to the other.
Applications closing date: 3 July 2025
Expected start date: October 2025
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.
£20,780 for 2025/26
