About the Programme

This PhD programme is self-funded and supervised within the Lifestyle, Exercise and Nutrition Improvement (LENI) Research Group, at CaRE, within the School of Health and Social Care at Sheffield Hallam University.

LENI Research Group is a world-renowned research group focused on developing and implementing lifestyle interventions to prevent and treat Non-Communicable Diseases.

The programme will be actively supported by clinicians from the Renal Transplant Unit at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK, as well as Sheffield Hallam University (SHU). This research opportunity entails a clinical attachment at the renal unit of STH, for a minimum of 12 months, working closely with clinicians to enhance the successful candidate’s clinical skills.

This means the PhD student will spend substantial time in the clinical environment, potentially:

• Observing patient care pathways.
• Attending clinics and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Learning about transplantation medicine.
• Gaining experience with clinical research methods.
• Developing skills in communicating with patients and healthcare professionals.

Importantly, this is generally intended to enhance understanding of the clinical context rather than train the student as a healthcare practitioner.

About the PhD

Background: New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT), also referred to as post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM), is a common metabolic complication following kidney transplantation, with reported incidence rates ranging from 10% to 35%. The risk is highest within the first 3–6 months post-transplant, largely due to intensified immunosuppressive therapy, particularly corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors.

NODAT is associated with significantly increased risks of cardiovascular disease, graft dysfunction, and mortality. It is also an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Lifestyle modification is widely recommended as first-line management for preventing and managing PTDM. Evidence suggests that structured physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, reduces weight gain, and enhances glycaemic control. However, despite these benefits, a large proportion of kidney transplant recipients remain sedentary, often due to physical limitations, fear of harming the graft, or lack of structured guidance.

There is currently a lack of robust, prospective evidence evaluating the effectiveness of structured exercise interventions specifically in preventing NODAT in kidney transplant recipients.

Aim: The primary aim of this PhD will be to develop and, following that, to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured physical activity programme in reducing the incidence of NODAT in kidney transplant recipients.

It is anticipated that part of the lifestyle intervention will be co-designed with patients and their carers, as well as clinicians and allied health professionals.

This study aims to provide robust evidence supporting structured lifestyle interventions in post-transplant care.

Findings could inform clinical guidelines and contribute to the development of standardised rehabilitation programmes to improve long-term patient and graft outcomes.

Who should apply?

To apply for this PhD, it will be necessary to an undergraduate degree in medicine (MBBS, MBChB, or equivalent) and also a minimum of 2 years' postgraduate clinical and/or research experience in renal medicine, nephrology, renal surgery, kidney transplantation, clinical research, or a related field. Applications are welcomed from both nephrologists and transplant surgeons.

Eligibility for GMC registration is desirable but not essential.

A flexible approach would be necessary, as the co-production stages of the project might need to take place in late afternoons, evenings or weekends to accommodate study participants.

We are offering this as a full-time PhD programme only. We are proud to be an inclusive organisation and we will welcome applications from all members of our community, including those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBTQIA+, BAME and disabled communities.

International / EU applicants

It is important to note that no funding will be available for this post and the successful candidate will be responsible for all fees and living expenses.

Sheffield Hallam University has a mandatory English language requirement of IELTS 7, or equivalent language qualification, for all applicants from countries not included in the UKVI exemption list.

This qualification must have been taken within the last two years, with a score of at least 6.5 in all test areas.

How to apply for the scholarship

Please complete and submit an application form.

Please add the project you are applying for clearly in the Personal Statement field of application form.

You must ensure that you upload:

1. A 1,500-word research proposal addressing this specific project.
2. Two letters of reference, or details of two academic referees
3. Copy of your highest degree certificate
4. Copy of your passport
5. International applicants only must submit IELTS results (or equivalent) taken in the last two-years

We do not accept proposals setting out an applicant's own research and cannot consider applications where the above mandatory documents have not been submitted.

If you experience issues submitting your online application, or for general enquiries please contact: DoctoralSchool-HWLS-PGR@shu.ac.uk

Submission deadline: 02 September 2026 (12 noon BST) Late applications will not be accepted.

Interviews

Applicants that are successful following our shortlisting process will be invited to interview in the weeks commencing 21 September 2026. Please note, we are unable to offer alternative interview slots once allocated to shortlisted candidates.