PhD Studentship: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Cardiovascular Science

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship within the Cardiovascular Research Group at the University of Surrey, in collaboration with Prof Chris Denning at the University of Nottingham. Our internationally recognised team investigates cardiac diseases using state‑of‑the‑art facilities and cutting‑edge technologies.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research community and receive hands‑on, inclusive supervision from an award‑winning mentor (School of Biosciences’ Supervisor of the Year 2021; nominee in 2024). Students benefit from a comprehensive programme of research and professional skills training through our Doctoral Training Centre.

Atrial fibrillation is a serious heart condition affecting over 43 million people globally, leading to risks like stroke and heart failure. Current treatments often fail and can have severe side effects, highlighting the need for safer, more effective therapies. Traditionally, scientists use animal models to study atrial fibrillation, but these have significant drawbacks, including ethical concerns and differences from human physiology.

This project aims to replace animal models with an accurate and ethical alternative: atrial cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. These lab-grown cells can better represent human heart cells. In this project we will develop novel strategies to culture the cardiomyocytes to promote the generation of tissue with structural and functional properties of the native heart. The resulting tissue will be used to test efficacy of new drugs to treat atrial fibrillation. The successful candidate will be trained in methods and procedures, including cell culture, advanced microscopy, flow cytometry, cardiac electrophysiology, molecular biology/protein isolation and characterisation, transcriptomics and proteomics.

Supervisors: Dr Patrizia Camelliti and Professor Chris Denning.

Entry requirements

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information. Starting in July 2026 or October 2026.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a first or upper second‑class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as medical or biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, or related fields.

Essential qualities include scientific curiosity, strong communication and organisational skills, and the ability to work proactively, independently, and as part of a team.

An MSc/MRes in cardiovascular or molecular science (merit or distinction) and/or prior research experience in molecular or cell biology is desirable.

How to apply

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Patrizia Camelliti.

Initial applications must include the following and should be emailed directly to p.camelliti@surrey.ac.uk

1. A CV/resume which includes modules taken with grades (or expected grades)
2. A supporting statement highlighting your primary motivation for applying for a PhD studentship and to this project, outlining any research experience and your career ambitions
3. Contact details for two academic referees (include any recent research mentor or supervisor)
4. Certificates and transcripts from all your current/previous degrees
5. Official English Language transcript (IELTS or TOEFL), if applicable

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. Interviews are expected to take place in March 2026. The start date is July 2026 or October 2026.

Funding

Fully funded by a competitive external grant. Funding covers tuition fees at the Home rate, associated research expenses, funds for training/attending conferences and an annual tax-free stipend at UKRI rates (currently £20,780 per annum).

Application deadline

28 February 2026

Enquiries

Contact Dr Patrizia Camelliti

Ref

PGR-2526-019

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