Transforming Cardiovascular Diagnostics – Developing innovative biomarkers for early detection of cardiac damage

Are you passionate about advancing healthcare and transforming the future of cardiovascular diagnostics? Be part of a research team addressing a critical healthcare gap with life-changing potential. Help shape the future of cardiovascular diagnostics, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to developing innovative, cost-effective solutions.

About the Project: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic tools. When cardiac tissue is damaged—whether from apoptosis or necrosis—it releases distinct molecular signatures into circulation. These biomarkers hold immense potential for revolutionising CVD detection and patient management. This PhD project aims to identify and validate proteomic and metabolomic biomarkers associated with cardiac apoptosis and necrosis, ultimately developing targeted biomarkers for early detection of cardiac damage. This innovative approach could enhance diagnostic accuracy, facilitate timely interventions, and drive personalised treatment for high-risk cardiovascular patients.

Why This Research Matters: This study could redefine cardiovascular care by integrating a multi-marker biomarker panel with existing diagnostic tools like imaging and troponin assays. By enabling earlier, more precise detection of cardiac damage, this research can potentially improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of CVD globally.

What You’ll Gain

Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cardiovascular research

Hands-on experience with biomarker development and validation

Collaboration with leading experts in molecular diagnostics and cardiovascular medicine

A chance to make a tangible impact on global healthcare and patient care

Who We’re Looking For: We seek a motivated candidate with a strong background in molecular biology techniques (experience with DNA extraction, PCR essential). Knowledge of proteomics or metabolomics techniques (desirable) and experience in Next-Generation Sequencing (preferred)

Apply Now and be part of an innovative research team and help shape the future of cardiovascular diagnostics.

These PhD opportunities will include comprehensive personal and professional development training and a mentoring programme from the University of Westminster Graduate School. The researchers will join a School firmly committed to decolonising and diversifying policies, practices, and cultures within, and beyond, Higher Education. 

Entry requirements and how to apply

Candidates should have a minimum classification of 2.1 in their bachelor’s degree or equivalent and preferably a Masters degree. Applicants whose secondary level education has not been conducted in the medium of English should also demonstrate evidence of appropriate English language proficiency normally defined as IELTS: 6.5 (overall score with not less than 6.0 in any of the individual elements).

You can read more about what should be in a PhD research proposal here:

https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements/how-to-write-your-research-proposal

You can read more about our entry requirements here:

http://westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements

Applications should be submitted by Friday 16^th May 2025. Interviews will take place in June.

It is essential you include the code of the project you are applying for in your personal statement i.e. “SLS SF1”.

Also include the title of the specific project you wish to apply for in your application.