Two places on our prestigious British Heart Foundation PhD programme are available for candidates able to commence training from September 2013. Successful applicants will receive full support for their tuition fees, all research expenses and an annual minimum tax-free stipend of £19,339. The PhD programme provides an ideal foundation for developing a career in cardiovascular research.

We are seeking candidates holding both a Masters (MSc/MRes) and minimum upper-second class degree or equivalent in an associated biomedical/biological sciences subject. Individuals currently registered on a Masters degree are eligible to apply, although evidence of satisfactory completion of the Masters will be expected within three months of enrolment onto the PhD programme. Previous research experience would also be an advantage. Applicants must be UK/EU nationals due to the nature of the funding.

Successful candidates will be supported for a 3-year PhD, selecting their research project from the outset following opportunity to discuss potential research areas with our network of academics. Some input into the design and writing of the research project pre-registration would be required.

These two awards will not include training within the initial foundation year that forms part of our standard 4-year PhD programme, so we are seeking candidates with a relevant Masters. Both award-holders would benefit from access to master-classes and workshops directed towards fellow PhD students on the 4-year BHF track. Training will also be provided in transferable scientific skills, such as commercialisation of research, public engagement, effective publications and ethics. All BHF PhD students are expected to be active members of the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, participating in seminars, keynote lectures and external conferences.

Based in the Core Technology Facility (CTF), our students are immersed in a thriving environment consisting of flexi-lab space, state of the art equipment, 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 leaders.

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• CV
• Degree transcripts
• Covering statement (not exceeding 1, 000 words) outlining your motivation in applying for a PhD in cardiovascular sciences, research interests, career ambitions, suitability and experience to date.
• Contact details for two academic or professional referees.