Therapeutic approaches to prevent age-associated muscle weakness

The School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences is seeking one candidate to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy at the Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

Project Background: During ageing, we lose approximately 30% of our peak muscle mass by the age of 80. This age-related muscle loss, termed Sarcopenia, results in reduced muscle size and strength, increased adiposity and contributes to insulin resistance. Thus, understanding the regulation of skeletal muscle at the cellular level holds tremendous therapeutic potential for healthy ageing. The function and maintenance of mitochondria is thought to decline with age, with this process hypothesised as a central mechanism in the progression of sarcopenia. Thus, therapies aimed at maintaining or boosting mitochondrial function, specifically in skeletal muscle, hold tremendous potential for combating sarcopenia.

Project Approach: Supervised by A/Prof. Andy Philp (Centenary Institute/UTS) and Professor Aaron Coutts (UTS), the proposed project will combine molecular biology expertise at the Centenary Institute with human physiology expertise in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Initial studies will use cell and rodent based models of ageing to identify molecular causes of sarcopenia, with subsequent studies examining sarcopenia therapeutics in young and old human cohorts.

Applicant requirements: The ideal candidate will have a 1st class bachelors honours, in exercise physiology, metabolism, biochemistry or an associated discipline, with a desire to establish novel, integrative research approaches to understand basic principles of skeletal muscle adaptation in humans

• Eligibility for enrolment in a Doctor of Philosophy program at UTS.
• Capacity to enroll for Spring RS2 session 2024.
• Open to Domestic candidates.

Applicants will be assessed on the basis of academic merit, previous research experience, research outputs, and alignment with the University's research priorities.

In addition to ensuring you are eligible for admission to UTS, students should contact A/Prof Andy Philp ([email protected]) to discuss suitability before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

01 April 2024

To discuss the research project and or EOI process, please contact: A/Prof Andy Philp ([email protected])

To discuss application requirements, please contact [email protected]

To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants are expected to have a record of excellent academic performance and, preferably, additional relevant research experience and/or peer-reviewed research activity, awards and/or prizes.

In addition to ensuring you are eligible for scholarship and admission to UTS, students must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to A/Prof Andy Philp (by email). EOI submission deadline is 1/4/2024

Your EOI should include:

• A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for undertaking a Higher Degree by Research, what you hope to achieve from your research and your research experience to date.
• Academic curriculum vitae including your qualifications, work and research experience
• Official academic transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate), including bachelor’s honours dissertation or master’s thesis results (if applicable).
• Evidence of research output (peer-reviewed publications) demonstrating your capacity to undertake independent research (if applicable).
• Proof of English proficiency (if not having completed a minimum of 5 years of study in Australia).
• Written references to include contact details for suitable academic referees (two required).
• Evidence of prizes, scholarships, and awards (certificates, statements of award). 

Shortlisted candidates should be available for a face-to-face interview between 8/4/2024 and 12/4/2024.