Research Scholarships

Funding provider: Swansea University

Subject areas: Sport Sciences/ Biomechanics

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2023 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors:

• Dr Chelsea Starbuck (Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University)
• Professor Neil Bezodis (Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University)
• Dr Shane Heffernan (Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Sport and Exercise Science

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

Traumatic knee injuries such as those to the meniscus are common in sports and contribute considerably to the Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) global burden of disease. Surgical interventions account for 63.8% of meniscus injury cases and represent a significant load on national health systems. Despite surgery, most individuals continue to experience pain, swelling, and poor knee function in their affected knee and are three times more likely to develop KOA compared to their contralateral knee. Currently, there is limited data on the internal forces of the knee or the periarticular muscle-tendon properties before and after meniscal repair surgery. Understanding the change in these mechanical properties following surgical intervention could improve post-operative rehabilitation and reduce the risk of developing KOA.

This PhD will examine biomechanical, neuromuscular, and muscle-tendon changes before and after surgery. The project will apply 3D motion capture data collection methods, existing musculoskeletal models, and imaging techniques (using ultrasound) to develop new data exploring internal knee forces and periarticular muscle-tendon properties before and after meniscal repair surgery. It is envisaged that this will improve the understanding of meniscal injuries, short and long-term consequences of surgery, which could lead to new interventions and healthcare technologies.

We invite applicants with an interest and/or experience in motion capture data collection, musculoskeletal modelling, or ultrasonography to work in a progressive and diverse research environment.

Please note: interviews for those applicants shortlisted will take place the week commencing 19 June 2023.

Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Sports Science or similar relevant science discipline. See ‘country specific information for European and international applicants (available at the bottom of the page)'. 

Essential: BSc in Sports and Exercise Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or another relevant discipline (minimum 2:1).

Desirable: MSc in Sports and Exercise Sciences (Biomechanics), Biomedical Engineering, or another relevant discipline.

English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Sports Science / Ph.D. / Full-time / 3 Year / October

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2023

3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS288 - PhD Sports Sci’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• Two-page CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)

For enquiries, please contact Dr Chelsea Starbuck (chelsea.starbuck@swansea.ac.uk).

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please not that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.