British Heart Foundation (BHF)-funded Non-clinical PhD Studentship: “Promoting inflammation resolution as a therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular pathologies”

The Centre for Inflammation Research and Translational Medicine (CIRTM) at Brunel University London is offering a BHF-funded PhD studentship to investigate immune responses in cardiovascular disease (CVD).

CVD is a major global healthcare challenge and the leading cause of death at global level. Inflammation plays a major role in the aetiology and progression of CVD; therefore, factors that exacerbate inflammation (such as acute infections) can have a detrimental effect on the management of the disease. Considering its critical role (and its cross-talk with thrombosis), the discovery of novel pharmacological strategies able to promote the resolution of thromboinflammation can lead significant clinical benefits. This PhD project will investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting specific resolution pathways to modulate microvascular thrombinflammation associated with acute infection, thereby unlocking new strategies for treating CVD.

Based in CHMLS, this BHF-funded studentship offers a full-time current BHF-stipend rate of £22,278 plus Home tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months. 

The start date will be 1 Jan 2025.

Overview

This PhD studentship offers an exciting opportunity to explore how Formyl-Peptide-Receptor 2 (FPR2)-agonism drives thromboinflammation resolution after acute infection. The student will work with cutting-edge in-vivo imaging and advanced in-vitro microfluidic techniques to advance the pre-clinical development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies for the treatment of CVD. The student will receive comprehensive training in:

• Vessel-on-chip technology integrated with 2D/3D microfluidics.

• Mammalian cell culture

• Rodent models of thromboinflammation.

• Blood and tissue analysis.

• Advanced flow cytometry.

• Fluorescent intravital microscopy, widefield and confocal imaging.

• RNA seqencing and transcriptomic data analysis and interpretation.

The successful candidate will be supervised by an expert interdisciplinary team of researchers:

–       Professor Felicity Gavins (Principal Supervisor), Royal Society Wolfson Fellow & Director of CIRTM.

–       Dr Camilla Cerutti (Second Supervisor), Lecturer in inflammation, ageing and cancer biology.

–       Mr Martin Scholze (Biostatistician).

For informal discussions, please contact Professor Felicity Gavins, felicity.gavins@brunel.ac.uk

Eligibility

Ambitious and highly motivated candidates must have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class), or MSc with merit or distinction, in pharmacology, biosciences or a related field. We encourage candidates with prior laboratory experience, especially in vascular biology, immunology, or inflammation, to apply. Preferred qualifications include experience with microfluidics and/or in-vivo work. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).

How to Apply

If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk  by November 1^st 2024

·      An up-to-date CV.

·      A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement describing why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).

·      One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from a dissertation).

·      A summary of your teaching experience or your willingness to support teaching activities.

·      Names and contact details for two academic referees.

·      A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.

·      A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview likely week commencing 18^th November 2024 and be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions.