PhD Studentship - Understanding Muscle Metabolism Responses to Feeding in Adult Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Overview

This PhD project at the University of Exeter, based in Public Health and Sport Sciences, studies how muscle responds to feeding in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). These survivors experience premature frailty, at around age 44, marked by muscle atrophy. Muscle growth depends on muscle protein synthesis, which relies on physical activity and dietary protein. Observational data show that survivors eat about the same amount of protein as the general population, which suggests their muscle may not respond normally to dietary stimuli, a condition known as anabolic resistance.

The study will test whether anabolic resistance is the cause of frailty in ALL survivors in response to diet. The results will guide the design of tailored dietary and exercise interventions.

What you get

The project is one of up to 18 MRC-funded studentships offered through the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme, with a start date of October 2027. The studentships last four years. Funding covers UK tuition fees and a doctoral stipend matching the UK Research Council national minimum, which is 21,805 pounds per year for 2026/27 and is updated annually. Up to 5,000 pounds per year is also available for research training and support costs.

Who can apply

The studentships are open to UK and international students. This project competes for a place with projects across the whole MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award, in which 18 studentships are available across the partnership.

Key dates

The closing date is 21 October 2026, and the studentship begins in October 2027.