PhD Research Project: Effect of vitamin D supplementation in the management of IBS

PhD position is available to start in September 2016 in The Molecular Gastroenterology Research Group,
Department of Oncology & Metabolism, The University of Sheffield.

The project will explore the potential benefits of vitamin D supplements in the treatment and management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Previous pilot work in our group has suggested an inverse correlation between vitamin D status and symptoms of IBS. You will pursue this association and conduct a randomised control trial with vitamin D (1,2). The PhD student will conduct a vitamin D intervention trial, learning trial design and management, biochemical assays, data management and data analysis. In addition to the randomised control trial the project will include two sub-studies, one investigating the optimal route of vitamin D delivery, and one further investigating the diet consumed by people with IBS (3).

The ideal candidate will have a good first degree (2i or above) in nutrition or biomedical science and possibly a masters in nutrition or a related subject. The successful candidate will have good interpersonal and organisational skills and will have a desire to pursue a career in nutrition or clinical trials. Training will be given in relevant methods, and you will have the chance to join a large, active and lively multidisciplinary research team in gastroenterology and nutrition.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to the project leads, Drs Bernard Corfe and Liz Williams (b.m.corfe@shef.ac.uk, e.a.williams@shef.ac.uk – please send email to both addresses over the holiday period).

Closing date for applications is 12th August. Applicants will be notified on 15th August and should be available for interview on 18th August.
 

Funding Notes

How to apply

Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply and attach at least two references to your application.

Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box and select ‘Oncology’ as the department.

Deadline: 12 August 2016

Applicants will be notified on 15th August and should be available for interview on 18th August.

References

1. Tazzyman, S., Richards, N., Trueman, A.R., Evans, A.L., Grant, V.A., Garaiova, I., Plummer S.F., Williams, E.A. & Corfe, B.M. Vitamin D associates with improved quality of life in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome: outcomes from a pilot trial (ICTRN: 6116003917). BMJ Open Gastroenterology, 2(1), e000052
2. Sprake, E. F., Grant, V. A., & Corfe, B. M. (2012). Vitamin D3 as a novel treatment for irritable bowel syndrome: single case leads to critical analysis of patient-centred data.. BMJ Case Rep, 2012. doi:10.1136/bcr-2012-007223
3. Williams, E. A., Nai, X., & Corfe, B. M. (2011). Dietary intakes in people with irritable bowel syndrome.. BMC Gastroenterol, 11, 9. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-11-9