Omega-3 phospholipids and marine protein co-supplementation on strength and hypertrophy

Omega-3 phospholipids and Maurine protein co-supplementation on strength and hypertrophy

Fixed term contract for 3 years, commencing September 2024

Bursary of £18,622 per annum and a full fee-waiver for UK tuition fees.

Closing date: April 30 2024

Interview date: Soon after, by arrangement

PhD Programme: Omega-3 phospholipids and marine protein co-supplementation on strength and hypertrophy

About Anglia Ruskin University:

ARU is a vibrant workplace and our University is recognised both nationally and internationally. We have ambitious plans for the future and we are determined that our students and staff will realise their full potential. With an annual turnover of over £200m, we are a major force for higher education and one of the largest universities in the East of England.

About the position:

Muscle mass and strength are integral for athletes’ performance and the exercising individual to optimise body composition and health. For this reason, protein supplements are widely used to support training adaptations alongside resistance exercise [7].

While whey protein is considered the gold standard of protein supplementation, consumers seek alternative sustainable sources for protein intake. Interestingly, due to its comparable quality, research has suggested fish protein supplementation has similar benefits to whey following resistance exercise [8].

Despite the breadth of positive outcomes following protein supplementation, there remain question marks on the efficacy of protein supplementation within an ageing population on parameters of muscle mass and strength [9]. The increased anabolic resistance and age-related muscle loss can explain these outcomes. It is, therefore, important to identify alternative strategies to augment the effect of protein supplementation in the ageing population. Growing evidence suggests that omega-3 fish oil supplementation with and without resistance training exercises can positively influence strength and muscle function [10]. The mechanisms underpinning this effect are yet to be fully explained; however, a metabolic effect to reduce anabolic resistance and a neuromuscular effect are widely hypothesised [11].

Protein supplementation alters muscle metabolic response to improve muscle mass and strength due to the bioavailability of essential amino acids. Indeed, early in vitro gastrointestinal digestion experiments have demonstrated that Herring roe protein has a highly digestible indispensable amino acid score [12], which is a marker of protein quality. As such, it is proposed that the co-supplementation of a Herring roe omega-3 phospholipid and protein can work synergistically to improve muscle strength, hypertrophy and neuromuscular function in young and ageing populations.

About the Studentship:

A 3-year studentship is offered, intended to start in September 2024, providing a tax-free stipend of £18,622 per annum

plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available as a full-time position and to UK candidates.

Project location: ARU Cambridge campus. Prospective candidates who would not be Cambridge-based are encouraged to contact the principal supervisor prior to application (contact details below).

Candidates for this PhD Studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD within 3 years.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline and a relevant level 7 (or equivalent) qualification (e.g., Masters degree). An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the University will look closely at the qualities, skills, and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.

Applicants from a range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including (but not limited to) nutrition, dietetics and sport and exercise science. Previous experience working in a research environment would be advantageous but not essential.

How to apply:

To apply, please complete the application form available via “Apply online” on Sport and Exercise Sciences PhD. Complete the variant of the form for full-time study with a start date of September 2024. Please ensure the reference ‘PhD Studentship: omega-3 phospholipids and marine protein co-supplementation on strength and hypertrophy’ is clearly stated on the application form, under the title ‘Outline of your proposed research’. Within this section of the application form, applicants should include:

1. A brief research proposal and suggested methodology based on the objective outlined above (max 2 pages)
2. A CV and cover letter providing a 500-word outline of the skills they would bring to this research project and details of any relevant experience.
3. Contact details of two references

Interested applicants are encouraged to direct initial queries about the project to Dr Sanjoy Deb via email: sanjoy.deb@aru.ac.uk.

For enquiries regarding the process and eligibility please contact SE-Research@aru.ac.uk.

Interviews are scheduled to take place online and will be arranged with the candidate.

We value diversity at Anglia Ruskin University and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Closing date: 30 April 2024.