About the Project
Applications are invited for a self-funded PhD at Sheffield Hallam University in lifestyle modification in Kidney Donors, commencement negotiable depending on circumstances.
Project Title: The Effect of Structured Patient Counselling and Lifestyle Modification on Post-Transplant Obesity in Kidney Transplant Recipients
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.
About the PhD
Background: Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) is a major modifiable risk factor for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Among kidney transplant recipients, obesity prevalence is high, exceeding 50% in some cohorts.
Post-transplant weight gain occurs predominantly within the first year and is driven by multiple factors, including immunosuppressive therapy (particularly corticosteroids), increased appetite, reduced physical activity, and suboptimal dietary habits.
Obesity after transplantation is associated with poorer graft function, increased cardiovascular risk, and reduced patient survival.
Aim: The primary aim of this PhD will be to develop and, following that, to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel lifestyle intervention, involving structured patient counselling and lifestyle modification aiming at preventing and reducing obesity in kidney transplant recipients.
It is anticipated that part of the lifestyle intervention will be co-designed with kidney transplant patients and their carers, as well as clinicians and allied health professionals.
Who should apply?
To apply for this PhD, it will be necessary to have 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.
We are offering this as a full-time PhD programme only.
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