Applications are invited for a PhD studentship funded by the Medical Research Council, to commence in October 2012, in the Department of Diet and Population Health, led by Dr Susan Jebb.
Preventing obesity is a key public health priority. Portion size is recognised as a critical determinant of energy intake and a variety of educational aids, implements and other systems have been created and used by policymakers, health professionals and commercial organisations to assist in portion size control, however scientific evidence on these tools is limited. This project will investigate if and how portion size tools can help overweight and obese individuals to control portion size. It will use both free-living conditions and controlled laboratory environments to allow specific mechanisms of action to be elucidated. It is expected that evidence arising from these studies will be used as a starting point for future, large-scale interventions and clinical trials.
This studentship will provide the student with the opportunity for strong multidisciplinary training, including qualitative and quantitative research. It will involve literature reviews; laboratory measures of eating behaviour and dietary analysis. It will suit someone with a background in nutrition or dietetics, psychology, health sciences or a related field. The successful candidate will be registered with the University of Cambridge and should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject. The studentship is available to UK residents and EU nationals who have been resident in the UK for at least the previous three years. Further information about residence eligibility criteria can be found at www.mrc.ac.uk.
Further information about MRC Human Nutrition Research can be obtained from our website (www.mrc-hnr.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Eva Almiron-Roig.
Applicants should provide a full CV and covering letter explaining their interest in the studentship, and details of two academic referees. Please email to Miss Pippa Eyre or post to Postgraduate Administrator, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Fulbourn Road, Cambridge CB1 9NL.
Closing date: 7th January 2012
Anticipated Interviews: 8 February 2012