University of Bristol
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Funded PhD in Brain-Heart Connections, Astrocytes, and GLP-1 Cardiovascular Protection University of Bristol in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Cell Biology
Funding
Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Covers UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available. International candidates are fully funded for the tuition difference but must cover visa, healthcare surcharge, and moving costs.
Deadline
Oct 21, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Bristol
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About this position
Funded PhD project at the University of Bristol within the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme, focused on brain-heart connections, astrocytes, and the cardiovascular protective effects of GLP-1. The project investigates how a hormone central to metabolism interacts with astrocytes to influence brain–heart communication and protect the heart.
The research is collaborative and interdisciplinary, bringing together physiology, neuroscience, molecular biology, cell biology, and data science. Methods include genetic targeting of specific brain cells, experimental models of heart attack, and advanced imaging. The project aims to uncover new strategies for cardiovascular disease treatment.
This is a 4-year full-time PhD studentship (part-time study may also be available). Funding includes UK tuition fees, a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27), and up to £5,000 per annum in additional research training and support funding. International applicants are eligible; the programme states they will be fully funded for the tuition difference, though they must cover visa, healthcare surcharge, and relocation costs.
Eligibility requires a first or upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in medical sciences, computing, mathematics, or the physical sciences. A lower second-class degree may be considered with a relevant master's degree. English language requirements must be met by the start date if English is not your first language.
Applications open on 9 September 2026 and close at 5:00 pm on 21 October 2026. Applicants may select up to two projects and should submit one application only via the GW4 BioMed website. Shortlisted candidates will be notified in December 2026, with interviews in January 2027 and a start date of 1 October 2027.
Funding details
Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Covers UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available. International candidates are fully funded for the tuition difference but must cover visa, healthcare surcharge, and moving costs.
What's required
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or an equivalent qualification outside the UK, in an appropriate area of medical sciences, computing, mathematics, or the physical sciences. A lower second-class degree may be considered only if the applicant also has a master's degree (Merit at the University of Bath). Relevant non-academic experience may also be considered. If English is not the first language, applicants must meet the host university's English language requirements by the start of the programme.
How to apply
Apply online through the GW4 BioMed website and submit one application only, selecting up to two projects. Complete the application for an offer of funding by 5:00 pm on 21 October 2026. If shortlisted, you will later need to apply for an offer to study at the chosen institution.
More information can be found here
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