Fully funded BHF Four Year PhD Studentships in Integrative Cardiovascular Science

Start Date: September 2024
Application Deadline: Thursday 30th November 2023

We are seeking applications from outstanding graduates to become the next generation of interdisciplinary cardiovascular scientists. Cardiovascular disease remains the most serious medical challenge we face, accounting for over 17 million deaths per year (30% of all deaths) worldwide. At least the same number of people each year survive heart attacks and strokes, requiring ongoing clinical care. The potential benefits to society of discoveries in cardiovascular science are enormous.

However, major breakthroughs are unlikely to come from a single discipline, but rather from interdisciplinary science that integrates people, methods, data and knowledge from different disciplines. This is the basis of Cardiovascular Science at the University of Bristol, and the ethos of our 4-Year PhD studentship programme in Integrative Cardiovascular Science, which spans our world-class strengths in discovery biology, clinical science and population health, and incorporates our innovative strengths in bioengineering and digital health.

If you are accepted on to the programme you will benefit from a vibrant and collegiate research environment at the University of Bristol, cross-disciplinary supervision from world-leading researchers and our cutting-edge interdisciplinary training programme.

The Programme

Successful applicants will enrol on a 1+3 year PhD course, with the first year providing unique opportunities to develop a firm foundation in cardiovascular research across the disciplines. This first year includes two 4-month research projects complemented by a set of short training courses in practical and analytical skills. The training and research that you undertake will be tailored to develop the skills needed for your subsequent 3 year main project.

Your choice of final 3 year project will be made during the recruitment process (if shortlisted for interview) so that your project direction is clear from the outset, enabling you to get the most from the training year. Example project titles and further information on the programme is available on our website.

PhD projects will be cross-disciplinary and involve at least two Principal Investigators from different disciplines. Additional research and transferable skills training will be offered by the programme, as will competitive funds for travel to conferences and workshops. This multi-disciplinary approach to training offers an exciting opportunity for you to build a unique set of interdisciplinary skills in areas of high demand.

You are welcome to get in touch with potential PhD supervisors if you would like to find out more about our research opportunities.