PhD Studentship in Cardiac Development and Cell Migration
Investigate how heart progenitor cells migrate and find their way during embryonic development using live cell imaging and genetic approaches.
Best for:Best for biology graduates with a strong interest in developmental genetics, molecular biology, and live-cell imaging.
Overview
This fully funded 4-year PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia investigates the mechanisms guiding cardiac progenitor cell migration during early vertebrate heart formation. Working within the School of Biological Sciences and part of the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme, the successful candidate will employ live cell imaging, molecular biology, and gene editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9. The project aims to make fundamental discoveries about the molecular control of heart development. The student will also participate in professional development training and undertake a three-month professional internship placement.
What you'll do
- Track live migration of cardiac progenitor cells using advanced microscopy and live cell imaging techniques
- Design and execute molecular biology experiments to clone candidate genes for mis-expression studies
- Perform gene knockdowns using CRISPR/Cas9 approaches in migrating progenitor cells
- Analyze and map perturbed cell migration trajectories to understand gene influence on cell fate
- Participate in doctoral training activities, multidisciplinary lab meetings, and cohort events
- Complete a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during the course of the studies
- Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present at conferences
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelors (Honours) degree at UK 2:1 equivalence or higher in a relevant biological science discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each category
Instruction: English
- Foundational knowledge in molecular biology, developmental biology, or genetics
- Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and analyze biological experiments
- Strong analytical skills with an aptitude for handling imaging or quantitative biological data
- Effective written and oral communication skills for collaborative research settings
- Open to UK and international applicants meeting the standard entry criteria for the doctoral training programme
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Applicants must submit their application through the university postgraduate admissions portal using the specific bespoke templates for Personal and Research statements provided on the NRPDTP website.
- CV
- Personal statement
- Research statement
- BSc transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
Andrea Munsterberg· Primary Supervisor
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