About the Project
Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and Cardiff Metropolitan University Fully-Funded PhD Studentship - Arthrogenic muscle inhibition following ACL injury and reconstruction: A mechanistic and biopsychosocial approach to rehabilitation and recovery.
The Opportunity
The TASS Research Institute Wales, a partnership between the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and Cardiff Metropolitan University's Centre for Applied Sport Science and Medicine (CASSM), is offering a fully-funded PhD studentship to investigate arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction. The successful candidate will join an internationally recognised interdisciplinary supervisory team and conduct clinically relevant research with access to TASS athletes, clinicians and partner organisations. The studentship, which commences September 2026 includes full UK tuition fees (£5,500) and a UKRI-equivalent 3-year annual stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27). International applicants will receive a tuition fee discount equivalent to the UK fee rate and will be responsible for the remainder of the overseas tuition fee.
The Project
ACL injury remains one of the most devastating injuries affecting athletes. Although surgical techniques and rehabilitation have improved considerably, only around two-thirds of athletes return to their previous level of sport. A major contributor to poor recovery is AMI, a neurological response that limits voluntary muscle activation following injury and surgery. Current rehabilitation pathways largely monitor strength recovery but provide limited objective assessment of neuromuscular activation deficits. At the same time, rehabilitation is increasingly recognised as a biopsychosocial process, with confidence, fear of reinjury, rehabilitation beliefs and social support all influencing recovery. Despite this, neuromuscular and psychological recovery are rarely investigated together.
This interdisciplinary PhD will combine biomechanics, neuromuscular assessment and sport psychology to develop a more objective understanding of recovery following ACL reconstruction and evaluate novel activation-led rehabilitation strategies with potential to improve patient rehabilitation outcomes.
The Candidate
The successful candidate will have a strong academic track record relevant to the research area of interest, together with some experience of working in an applied performance setting. Experience of working with patients with ACL injuries is highly desirable.
Knowledge and experience:
- Of biomechanical or neuromuscular assessment. Experience of isokinetic dynamometry, electromyography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation is highly desirable.
- Of research data collection in a laboratory setting
- Of working in a multidisciplinary sports science environment
Education and Qualifications
- First or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Science, Physiotherapy, Human Movement Sciences, Sports Rehabilitation, or a related discipline.
- A postgraduate qualification in biomechanics or sports science related discipline is also highly desirable
Personal Attributes
- Curious and motivated researcher.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects.
- Commitment to interdisciplinary working as part of a team.
- Passion for improving rehabilitation outcomes.
To apply for this opportunity, please submit the following:
- CV (max 2 pages) to include two academic referees
- Cover letter outlining your motivation for undertaking the PhD, relevant experience, research interests and career aspirations (max 2 pages)
- A PDF of your undergraduate or postgraduate thesis
- Degree and postgraduate transcripts
Applications should be submitted to ESSHRI@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Given the anticipated high-volume of applications received, we will only contact those applicants who are invited to interview.
For any questions about this opportunity, please contact Jason Pedley: jpedley@cardiffmet.ac.uk or Lucy Kember lkember@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Closing Date: 7th August 2026
Interviews: likely w/c 17th August 2026
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