Modulating skeletal muscle bioenergetics and exercise performance through sodium bicarbonate supplementation Ph.D. (Funded) Ref: 5865

Supervisors

Professor Andrew Jones (Primary) 

Professor Anni Vanhatalo

Dr Jonathan Fulford

Dr Matt Black

Location:  Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, St Luke’s Campus (Exeter)

Maurten manufacture sports nutrition products, including a sodium bicarbonate ingestion system that serves to increase blood buffering capacity. This is important in high-intensity exercise and sports where the body generates acid during metabolism. The research project aims to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of this specific product when consumed acutely prior to bouts of continuous (e.g., 4 min treadmill time trial) and intermittent (e.g., simulated interval training session) high-intensity exercise, as well as when consumed more chronically as part of a training programme. Skeletal muscle and blood samples will be taken and other physiological and performance measurements will be made to ascertain the influence of sodium bicarbonate compared to a placebo. The research would suiit a student with an interest in exercise physiology and metabolism, causes of exercise-related fatigue, sports nutrition and athletic performance.  

The University of Exeter’s Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences is inviting applications for a PhD studentship co-funded by Maurten and the University to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the St Luke’s Campus in Exeter. This is a 3.5-year PhD studentship. 

This is a 3.5 year PhD studentship co-funded by Maurten.  

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. However, please note the following: 

• The award covers only part of the international tuition fee, approximately £27,000.
• It does not include a stipend for living expenses.
• International applicants will need to cover additional costs, including:
  • Student visa fees
  • Immigration Health Surcharge
  • Relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK to undertake a PhD. 

Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying. 

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.   

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of sports science, human physiology or nutrition.  

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information. 

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents. 

• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number 5865.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English. 

The closing date for applications is midnight on 19th June 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually or on the University of Exeter St Luke’s Campus in the week commencing 13^th July 2026.  

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided. 

For general information about this studentship and the application process, please contact PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk. Please quote reference 5865 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship. 

Project specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor.

Summary