Via naturejobs. The European Male Ageing Study (EMAS) invites applications for a distinguished 3-year PhD studentship commencing in October 2009 entitled 'Age-related decline in steroid hormones and male senescence'. Funding will provide full support for the UK/EU tuition fee and a tax-free annual stipend of £13, 290.

EMAS is a pan-European population-based study of male ageing aiming to identify ageing phenotypes in men. The objective is to determine how changes in hormone levels impact on the occurrence of dysfunctional symptoms, development of frailty and deterioration in quality of life. Findings from this longitudinal study will inform interventional trials and preventative health policies to promote healthy ageing in men. The purpose of this PhD project is to: Characterise the rate of decline in sex steroid levels in middle aged and elderly European men; Determine the influence of declining steroid hormone levels on changes in body composition, bone mass, frailty, cognition and both physical, psychological and sexual functioning in European men; Define a clinical syndrome of ‘late-onset hypogonadism’ or ‘male menopause’ based on the association between symptoms and objective evidence of T deficiency.

Interested candidates should submit a CV and detailed covering letter outlining their suitability for the project to Professor Frederick Wu at: frederick.wu@manchester.ac.uk. Contact details for two academic or professional referees should also be provided. Applications will be welcomed up to and including Friday 5 June 2009. Early expression of interest is advised. For further details on the study or to confirm your suitability please contact the project lead, Professor Frederick Wu at the above address.

Job advert