PhD Studentship in Cardiovascular Science: Extracellular Vesicles in Heart Disease
Explore the role of extracellular vesicles in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using advanced human cell models and molecular imaging.
Best for:Best for biomedical science graduates with a passion for cardiovascular research, cell biology, and molecular techniques who seek hands-on training in stem cell models and extracellular vesicle analysis.
Overview
This fully funded PhD position at the University of Surrey focuses on investigating how extracellular vesicles contribute to disease progression in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a leading cause of heart failure. The project combines human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes with molecular and imaging techniques to uncover cellular communication mechanisms. Applicants will gain expertise in cell culture, extracellular vesicle analysis, microscopy, and proteomics, with potential applications in biomarker discovery and therapeutic development. The research is supervised by Dr Patrizia Camelliti and aligns with translational cardiovascular science.
What you'll do
- Develop and apply advanced human cell models (iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes) to study extracellular vesicle-mediated communication in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Investigate structural and functional differences between healthy and diseased cardiac cells using molecular and imaging techniques.
- Analyze extracellular vesicles and signaling pathways contributing to maladaptive cardiac remodeling.
- Identify molecular biomarkers or therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases through proteomic and genomic analyses.
- Gain training in human cell culture, extracellular vesicle isolation, advanced microscopy, cardiac functional assays, and molecular/proteomic analysis.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to advance translational cardiovascular science.
Requirements
Degree required: First or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in medical sciences, biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, or related disciplines.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 (if applicable).
Instruction: English
- Strong background in biomedical sciences or related fields.
- Scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
- Basic proficiency in laboratory techniques (e.g., cell culture, molecular biology).
- Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees.
- Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements for the University of Surrey PhD programme.
- No specific nationality restrictions, but fee eligibility applies.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31
Applicants must email a CV/resume with grades, a supporting statement outlining research motivation and career ambitions, contact details for two academic referees, transcripts, and an English language transcript (if applicable) to p.camelliti@surrey.ac.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in November 2026.
- CV/resume with grades or expected grades
- Supporting statement highlighting research motivation and career ambitions
- Contact details for two academic referees
- Certificates and transcripts from all current/previous degrees
- Official English language transcript (IELTS or TOEFL, if applicable)
Contact
Patrizia Camelliti· Supervisor
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