PhD Studentship in Shoulder/Upper Limb Research Project Scope

Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences at the Liverpool Hope University is highly committed to research as indicated by its vibrant postgraduate research environment and broad range of laboratory facilities in the School of Health and Sport Sciences (house for the biannual Shoulder Rehabilitation Conference). As part of strategic research vision, the School of Health and Sport Sciences is offering a PhD Studentship in ‘Shoulder/Upper Limb Research’.

This call is open to only UK applicants. The exact topic, aims and objectives for this studentship project will be shaped by the successful applicant in coordination with the research supervisory team. Hence, applicants are encouraged to submit a research proposal, preferably of an interdisciplinary nature, demonstrating an excellent understanding of the current topics in the field.

We are particularly interested in PhD studentship applications that seek to address:

• Development of new methodologies for the evaluation of Shoulder/Upper Limb function in Health and Diseases
• Underlying mechanisms regarding complex Shoulder/Upper Limb conditions
• Development of evidence-based Shoulder / Upper Limb Rehabilitation interventions
• Community-based interventions for shoulder pathologies
• Athletic Shoulder

Applicant criteria

The successful applicant will have:

• A M grade qualification with Distinction from a UK university (or EU equivalent) OR; a Merit from a UK university plus a Distinction grade for the Dissertation
• An excellent understanding of Shoulder/Upper Limb function
• Desirable skills in using biomechanical systems such as EMG, 3D Motion, Force Analysis, and Dynamometry/IKD
• An interest in working within a multi-disciplinary, clinical-academic environment
• An established connection with the healthcare organisations or sporting environments (desirable)

Research supervisors

This PhD studentship will be conducted in the School of Health and Sport Sciences, Liverpool Hope University. The project will be primarily supervised by Professor Omid Khaiyat, further supervisors will be assigned once the topic and objectives of the project are finalised.

Prof Omid Khaiyat: alizado@hope.ac.uk

How to apply

Eligible applicants should apply via the Online Application System located on University’s postgraduate research web pages and submit an “Expression of Interest” in the first instance.

Expression of Interest is a formal stage of the online application. Applicants are advised to do this at the earliest opportunity as the full application form is not released until this stage of application process is complete. Applicants will be able to upload copies of official academic achievements in undergraduate degree classification and master degree award, plus copies of official transcripts of all degree subjects taken. Please refer to University’s Postgraduate Research page for guidelines.

The deadline for full applications is midnight on Monday 11/05/2026. When completing online application form, please insert ‘PhD Studentship: Upper Limb/Shoulder Research’ into Research Type (‘I would like to apply for admission to the following’) section. Please also submit a 2-page overview or short research proposal including Background, Aims, Objectives, Hypothesis, and Methods of the proposed PhD project directly to the research supervisor: alizado@hope.ac.uk

All applications will be reviewed and scrutinised by a panel and interviews will be accordingly scheduled for shortlisted candidates.

Funding notes

The studentship is for a Home (UK) student for a 3-year full time or 5-year part-time study subject to satisfactory progress. The studentship will only support the payment of tuition and bench fees (if appropriate).