A fully funded PhD studentship is now open for applications at Loughborough University, commencing in October 2025. This opportunity is part of the ParaFit 2032 PhD Cluster, focusing on advancing Para sport performance through innovative applications of wearable and wheelchair-based technologies.<\/p>\n
The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS), under the supervision of Professor Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey and Dr Stuart McErlain-Naylor. The project will investigate how biomechanical and physiological data collected through assistive technology can inform training prescription, performance optimisation, and injury prevention strategies for Para athletes.<\/p>\n
Key objectives of the research include:<\/p>\n
Validating wearable sensors and smart devices to monitor wheelchair propulsion and training loads;<\/p>\n
Assessing external (biomechanical) and internal (physiological) load across daily life, training, and competition environments;<\/p>\n
Developing a personalised feedback system to support technique improvement and health outcomes;<\/p>\n
Exploring the applicability of these technologies across wheelchair users and ambulant Para athletes in partnership with the UK Sports Institute (UKSI).<\/p>\n
The studentship is funded for three years and covers full tuition fees (UK and international) along with a tax-free stipend of \u00a319,237 per annum. Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) and preferably a master\u2019s degree with an average mark of at least 65%. A background in sports science, sports engineering, or related fields is required, and experience with analytic software such as Matlab, R, or Python is advantageous. The direction of the PhD can be tailored to align with the candidate\u2019s skills and research interests.<\/p>\n
English language proficiency of IELTS 7.0 overall (with no component below 7.0) is required for non-native speakers.<\/p>\n
Applications must be submitted online by 31 May 2025. When applying, select \u201cSchool of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences\u201d as the programme name and quote the reference SSEHS\/VT25.<\/p>\n
For more information on the research cluster, visit:
\n https:\/\/www.lboro.ac.uk\/research\/clusters\/parafit\/
\n Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport<\/p>\n
Apply online: Loughborough University application portal
\nDeadline: 31 May 2025
\nStart date: October 2025<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"