The 4-Year British Heart Foundation PhD programme at the University of Manchester signals a new and flexible approach to cardiovascular research training. Fully-funded places are now available for our September 2011 intake.
Via a combination of intensive workshops, master-classes and independent research our students develop the necessary skills-sets to become future research leaders in the cardiovascular sciences. Training is structured to encourage students to take novel, interdisciplinary approaches to emerging cardiovascular therapies.
Our 4-Year BHF PhD programme has two key components; a ‘Foundation’ year (Year 1), comprising both taught and research modules and a 3 year PhD project (Years 2-4). The initial year provides the opportunity to develop skills in a wide range of experimental techniques and gain an appreciation of the major challenges of cardiovascular research. It incorporates seminars, master-classes, tutorials and three laboratory rotations within the following thematic areas:
- Cell-matrix biology and bioengineering
- Cell signalling
- Functional physiology
- In vivo models of disease
- Structural biology and functional genomics
The knowledge, experience and skills obtained in this initial year provide an ideal platform for students to perform cutting-edge research during their eventual PhD projects. It also allows students to make well informed choices for their final projects, with the opportunity to work alongside eminent academics across many multidisciplinary settings. Our existing BHF PhD students are active members of the Cardiovascular group, participating in seminars, keynote lectures and external conferences. Training is also provided in transferable scientific skills, such as commercialisation of research, public engagement, effective publications and ethics.
Housed in the Core Technology Facility (CTF), our students are immersed in a thriving environment consisting of start-up biotechnology firms, flexi-lab space, conferencing facilities and dedicated write-up areas. The CTF forms part of the Manchester ‘Bioscience Corridor’, integrating biomedical, physical, computational and engineering researchers in order to spark the next generation of bioscience discovery.
Successful applicants for our 4-Year Studentships receive full support for their tuition fees, all research expenses and an annual minimum tax-free stipend of £18, 685.
Expressions of interest are invited from candidates wishing to be considered for entry onto our 2011 PhD intake. Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a minimum upper-second class degree or equivalent in an associated biomedical/biological sciences subject. All studentships will commence in September 2011. Candidates must be UK/EU nationals due to the nature of the funding.
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- CV, including summary of degree grades to date.
- Covering statement (not exceeding 1, 000 words) outlining your motivation in applying for the 4-year BHF programme, research interests, career ambitions, suitability and experience to date.
- Contact details for two academic or professional referees.
Applications should be sent to Caroline Price, Cardiovascular Sciences Postgraduate Co-ordinator at caroline.a.price@manchester.ac.uk
All enquiries should be emailed to our Postgraduate Research Director, Dr Clare Austin: clare.austin@manchester.ac.uk.
Closing date for applications: 7 January 2011
Interviews held: Late January 2011
Start date for Studentships: September 2011
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by mid-January. If you do not receive a response by this time please assume that unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Further details on our BHF PhD programme, including student videos, can be accessed from our website:
http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/cardiovascular/postgraduate/bhfphd/
Funding information
Funder:
British Heart Foundation
Title:
British Heart Foundation 4-Year PhD Studentships
Value:
Full support for tuition fees, research costs and an annual minimum stipend of £18, 685
Number of awards per year:
4
Funding applies to:
EU applicants (including UK)
Funding notes:
Applicants must be UK/EU nationals resident within the European Union.
Funding duration:
4 Years
Contacts and how to apply
Academic contact:
Dr Clare Austin (clare.austin@manchester.ac.uk)
Administrative contact and how to apply:
Please refer to above advert for full application details.
