PhD Research Studentship – Nutrition, Energy Availability and Allostatic Load in Premier League Soccer Players (Brentford FC & Cardiff Metropolitan University) Cardiff Metropolitan University in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship offers a unique opportunity to combine advanced research with practitioner-based experience in elite football, in partnership with Brentford Football Club and Cardiff Metropolitan University. The project focuses on nutrition, energy availability, and allostatic load in Premier League soccer players, aiming to establish a theoretically informed nutrition performance programme and identify areas to optimise provision for elite footballers. The successful candidate will be embedded within Brentford FC, assisting with the club's performance strategy, including data collection, management, analysis, performance testing, and reporting. Practitioner duties will primarily involve working with senior squads, with research potentially extending to younger age groups.

The studentship package includes a three-year bursary plus tuition fees at the UK rate, with a stipend set at £21,805 for 2026/27, matching RCUK rates in subsequent years. The project is supervised by Dr Liam Corr and Dr Ryland Morgans, both with extensive expertise in sports science and nutrition. Applicants should have a strong academic background in nutrition, dietetics, sports nutrition, sports science, or a related field, with experience in applied performance settings, ideally within football. Desirable qualifications include a postgraduate degree in sports nutrition or physiology and activity towards accreditation with a relevant professional body.

Personal attributes sought include experience in conducting applied research in football or other elite sports, excellent communication skills, adaptability, effective time management, teamwork, and the ability to work independently. A flexible approach to working hours is essential. The research proposal submitted should align with the project theme, include a brief literature review, and outline the studies proposed to address the PhD focus.

Applications must be submitted via the Brentford FC careers portal. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide degree certificates, transcripts, and evidence of other relevant qualifications prior to interview. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Ryland Morgans at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The closing date for applications is March 25, 2026, with first stage interviews likely during the week commencing April 20, 2026.

This studentship is ideal for candidates seeking to develop both academic and practitioner skills in elite sport, with a focus on nutrition and performance optimisation in professional football. The research environment offers access to high-level athletes, applied sport science training, and the opportunity to contribute to innovative performance strategies within a Premier League club.