PhD in Clinical Cardiovascular Physiology: Investigating the impact of novel interventions (such as medication, diet and/or exercise) that may lower cardiovascular disease risk in various clinical populations

Supervisors: Dr Aamer Sandoo (Director of studies) and Dr Jonathan Moore

Deadline for applications: Applications should be submitted by 31 July 2016 in the first instance and the successful candidate expected to start as soon as possible.

Prompt application is advised as this position is only available until a suitable candidate is found. If a suitable candidate has not been appointed following this initial advertisement, this opportunity will be re-advertised.

Introduction
Dr Aamer Sandoo and Dr Jonathan Moore invite candidates to apply for a self-funded three year PhD program investigating the impact of novel interventions (such as medication, diet and/or exercise) that may lower cardiovascular disease risk in various clinical populations including patients with rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, or Crohn’s disease. The project will build on existing collaborations with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and will utilise equipment from Bangor University’s state of the art cardiovascular physiology laboratory.

Scope of PhD
The PhD will enable the candidate to master several non-invasive techniques which examine cardiovascular function (specifically endothelial function). In particular, you will become proficient at vascular ultrasound and will scan the brachial arteries (to measure flow-mediated dilatation), and carotid arteries (to measure carotid intima-media thickness – a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis). You will also gain experience in examining microvascular blood flow using our brand new and state of the art laser Doppler imaging scanner with iontophoresis of vasoactive agents. Each technique will then be applied in clinical studies examining cardiovascular disease risk in a variety of populations. You will be expected to work with the supervisory team to develop a strong research proposal, apply for ethical approval, carry out data collection and analysis, and write a cohesive thesis as well as publishable manuscripts.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for a determined, motivated individual with a strong interest in cardiovascular physiology/pathology and who enjoys working with clinical populations. In addition, the student must be able to work as part of a team but equally be comfortable working independently. The student must be aware of the challenges of conducting research in outpatient healthcare settings. You will have achieved a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours in exercise physiology, clinical physiology or other relevant health science degrees or possess a Masters in these subjects. If you are a non-native English speaker, you must demonstrate that you are proficient in written and spoken English. We may test your spoken and written English to determine if you meet the requirement necessary for this project.

Why study at Bangor?
Part of the College of Health and Behavioural Sciences (https://www.bangor.ac.uk/cohabs/index.php.en), the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (SSHES), has been providing high-calibre undergraduate and postgraduate degrees since 1978. Our research was ranked 7th in UK according to a national assessment of research quality (REF) published in 2014 (Times Higher Education, 18 December 2014). Furthermore, SSHES has a long-standing collaboration with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/861/home)– one of the largest health service providers in Europe – enabling an integrated approach to in vitro mechanistic and clinical research. The department has a well-equipped cardiovascular physiology laboratory containing a high-resolution Doppler ultrasound and laser Doppler imager. The school is ideally situated to local amenities and overlooks the beautiful Menai Straits.

How to apply
If you meet the criteria outlined above and are able to pay the tuition fees at UK/EU or International rate as well as bench fees (we will require proof that you are able to), and you wish to apply for the PhD, you should email a C.V., covering letter plus contact details for two referees to Dr Aamer Sandoo [Email Address Removed]

The cover letter should include a clear statement detailing how your qualifications, experience and research interests make you a suitable candidate for this PhD.

For further details and/or an informal conversation please contact:

Dr Aamer Sandoo, School of Sport Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Tel: (+44) 01248 383 486