Targeting the Perimenopausal Transition to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Socioeconomically Deprived Communities

About the Project

This interdisciplinary PhD studentship offers an exciting opportunity to explore the interaction between clinical exercise physiology and behavioural change within a community health setting. This project will contribute to research addressing important challenges in improving cardiovascular health in perimenopausal women from socioeconomically deprived communities.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK. Following the menopausal transition, postmenopausal women see a rapid increase in CVD risk equalling aged-matched males. This effect is compounded in women from socioeconomically deprived communities, driven in part by higher prevalence of obesity, type-2 diabetes, and physical inactivity, contributing to these inequalities. The perimenopausal transition, therefore, represents a critical window for intervention before CVD risk becomes established in the postmenopausal years.

The purpose of this PhD will be to co-design a lifestyle intervention targeting physical activity and dietary behaviours to improve CVD risk in perimenopausal women living in socioeconomically deprived communities in North East England. This project aims to:

1. Characterise cardiovascular health and estimate future CVD risk using validated risk prediction tools.
2. Identify barriers to engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity and nutrition.
3. Co-design and evaluate a feasibility intervention targeting physical activity and dietary behaviours to improve cardiovascular risk markers.

The project will involve hands-on experience in study design, data collection, and advanced data analysis, alongside opportunities to engage with community stakeholders and translate findings into real-world impact. The student will receive comprehensive training in a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, skill development could include cardiovascular ultrasound, blood-based biomarkers, exercise testing. Additional training in practical skill development for community partnerships, behavioural diagnosis using relevant theory, and intervention development grounded in lived experience will be provided.

Based within a vibrant research environment, the student will work closely with an interdisciplinary supervisory team with expertise in sport and exercise physiology, psychology, and nutrition. The student will network within the Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre (HNERC) and will receive support and additional training through The Faculty of Medical Sciences Graduate School.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.