Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, bearing a significant impact on physical and mental health. We have previously shown that iron deficiency is common in women undertaking sport at all levels of competition. Preliminary data suggests that significant gains can been seen in VO2max and exercise endurance if the right iron therapy is implemented. The IRONWOMAN trial will formally assess the impact of iron deficiency and treatment on skeletal muscle function and physiological output in female athletes in the setting of a clinical trial.  

This post is a novel collaboration between world leading experts in clinical trials on iron therapy and leading sports and exercise scientists in Western Australia. This role is part of an international team leading trials on human health and performance. Specifically, phase III trials in Australia, Singapore and the UK on the impact of iron deficiency and intravenous iron on mental and physical performance. In parallel, the group has experimental work on mitochondrial function based at University College London (UCL).

The successful applicant will join a team with leadership from Professor Toby Richards, and Associate Professor Peter Peeling. You will be supported by a senior clinical trials and operations manager for protocol development, ethics and governance submissions. It is expected that the post holder will work collaboratively with existing undergraduate, postgraduate (PhD), and medical students. Potential exists for national and international travel. Collaborative opportunities with sports physiologists and at UCL also exist with the mitochondrial research team.

The scholarship package for an international applicant will include a living allowance of $34,000 per annum; overseas student health cover and full international tuition fees. Domestic PhD students are not required to pay tuition fees, as the PhD enrolment is funded by the Australian Government Research Training Program.

Available in the 2020 round for Domestic applicants and UWA International Graduates

Applicants must be enthusiastic with good interpersonal skills, a BSc(Hons-first class) or MSc by research, demonstrate strong knowledge and research skills in exercise physiology, with competence in literature meta-analysis and statistics.

The successful applicant will be based on the UWA Crawley campus. Regular site visits will be made to the Clinical Trials Unit at Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Researchand Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch. Applicants are encouraged to read previous work by Professor Toby Richards and Peter Peeling. Please refer queries to Giuliana DAulerio. Domestic applicants should complete the iAthena online application form by 31/10/19. International applicants must apply for PhD enrolment by contacting the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Higher Degree Research Team: hdr-hms@uwa.edu.au

The project manager reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.