Maternal obesity and iron requirements in pregnancy and the postpartum.

Summary

Iron deficiency/anaemia (ID/IDA) in pregnancy is a serious public health issue globally, not only in low- and middle-income countries but also in high-income regions, where the prevalence of anemia is 16% in women of reproductive age and affects 1 in 4 in the UK. This deficiency can lead to serious adverse consequences including palpitations, headache, dizziness, restless legs, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. IDA in pregnancy increases maternal mortality and morbidity, raising the incidence of obstetric complications, including postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, and stillbirth.

Identifying ID in women with obesity is notably challenging, leading to potential misdiagnoses and impeding the evaluation of its prevalence and treatment. In the UK, clinical guidelines do not recommend routine screening for ID or prophylactic iron supplementation in pregnancy, despite a high prevlance of deficiency and associated consequences.

This research aims to examine the influence of maternal adiposity on iron metabolism and requirements during pregnancy and the postpartum, and will explore the potential mechanisms involved in the development of iron deficiency, including genetic and inflammatory influences.

The PhD researcher will have a key role in the management and co-coordination of a randomised controlled trial which will examine the influence of iron supplementation on maternal and infant iron status and other important health outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum.

Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills will be integral to the success of this research.

This study is a collaboration between NICHE, Ulster University, Solvotrin Therapeutics and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, NI.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Solvotrin Therapeutics
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)
• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.