PhD Studentship: Fully Funded 4-year PhD Studentship in Cardiovascular Science

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD studentship fully funded by NC3Rs within the Cardiovascular Research Group at the University of Surrey, in collaboration with Professor Chris Denning at the University of Nottingham. We are internationally recognised for our work on cardiac diseases and offer state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies.

Atrial fibrillation is a serious heart condition affecting over 43 million people globally, leading to risks like stroke and heart failure. Current treatments often fail and can have severe side effects, highlighting the need for safer, more effective therapies. Traditionally, scientists use animal models to study atrial fibrillation, but these have significant drawbacks, including ethical concerns and differences from human physiology. This project aims to replace animal models with a more accurate and ethical alternative: atrial cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells.

These lab-grown cells can better represent human heart cells. In this project we will develop novel strategies to culture the cardiomyocytes to promote the generation of tissue with structural and functional properties of the native heart. The resulting tissue will be used to test efficacy of new drugs to treat atrial fibrillation. The successful candidate will be trained in relevant methods and procedures, including cell culture, cardiac electrophysiology, molecular biology/protein isolation and characterisation, advanced microscopy, flow cytometry, transcriptomics and proteomics.

Supervisors: Dr Patrizia Camelliti and Professor Chris Denning.

Entry requirements

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information. Starting in October 2025. Later start dates may be possible, please contact Dr Patrizia Camelliti once the deadline passes.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area including medical sciences, biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry or related disciplines.

Self-motivation, deep interest in research, ability to think and work independently, fluency in English language and excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.

An MSc/MRes in cardiovascular/molecular science with merit or distinction and/or previous research experience in molecular biology or cell biology would be advantageous.

How to apply

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Patrizia Camelliti (p.camelliti@surrey.ac.uk)

Initial applications must include the following and should be emailed directly to p.camelliti@surrey.ac.uk

1. A CV/resume which includes modules taken with grades (or expected grades).
2. A supporting statement highlighting your primary motivation for applying for a PhD studentship and to this project in particular, outlining any research experience and your career ambitions.
3. Contact details for two academic referees (include any recent research mentor or supervisor).
4. Certificates and transcripts from all your current/previous degrees.
5. Official English Language transcript (IELTS or TOEFL), if applicable.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. Interviews are expected to take place in April 2025. The start date is October 2025.

Funding

The Studentship is fully funded by a competitive grant from NC3Rs. Funding covers tuition fees at the home rate, associated research expenses, funds for training/attending conferences and an annual tax-free stipend at UKRI rates (currently £19,337 for 2024-25) for 4 years.

Application deadline: 31/03/2025

Enquiries: Contact Dr Patrizia Camelliti

Ref: PGR-2425-021

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