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

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.

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 suit a student with an interest in exercise physiology and metabolism, causes of exercise-related fatigue, sports nutrition and athletic performance.

For further information regarding this studentship and to apply for it, please visit the following website: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5865