PhD Studentship: Visualising Platelet Biogenesis: Intravital Imaging of Megakaryocyte Signalling in Real Time

PhD Studentship in Physiology and Pharmacology

Project title: Visualising Platelet Biogenesis: Intravital Imaging of Megakaryocyte Signalling in Real Time (UK fees only)

Supervisors: Dr Alex bye and Professor Jon Gibbins

Project Overview:   

This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to explore how platelets—tiny blood cells essential for clotting—are produced in the body. Platelet transfusions are vital for patients with trauma or cancer, but producing platelets in the lab remains a major challenge. This research will investigate how megakaryocytes, the large bone marrow cells responsible for platelet production, behave in the body using advanced imaging techniques.

Using genetically modified mice that allow real-time tracking of cellular signalling, the project will explore how megakaryocytes respond during platelet formation and how diseases like long COVID may alter this process. The goal is to better understand the biology of platelet production and improve lab-based methods for generating platelets for transfusion.

What’s Involved

You’ll be trained in a wide range of cutting-edge techniques, including live-cell and intravital microscopy, image analysis, flow cytometry, and cell culture. The project includes a collaborative training at Imperial College London with Professor Cristina Lo Celso’s team, internationally recognised for their expertise in imaging the bone marrow environment.

Why Join Us?

The project is hosted within the Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR), a thriving hub of platelet biology research at the University of Reading. You’ll work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert supervision. The University is ranked 172 globally (QS 2025), with 98% of its research rated internationally recognised or better (REF 2021). Our beautiful Whiteknights campus is just 30 minutes from London and close to Heathrow Airport.

As a PhD student, you’ll receive comprehensive training in both research and transferable skills, with additional support available for international students through the University’s International Study and Language Institute.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant field of life sciences or a strongly related discipline.
• Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is open to UK applicants.

Funding Details:   

• Starts January 2026
• 4-year full-time award
• Funding covers full tuition fees plus UKRI stipend.

How to apply:  

To apply click Apply for a Programme via the above ‘Apply’ button, create your account, and use the link sent by email to start the application process. Please select ‘PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology (initial registration) (full time)’. Please include a personal statement (max 200 words) with your application, to succinctly express why you are interested in the project and how your background is suitable.

*Important notes*

• 1) Please quote the reference ‘DRC25-074’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
• 2) If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application.

Application Deadline: 31^st October 2025

Further Enquiries:  

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

For further details please contact Dr Alex Bye a.bye@reading.ac.uk

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