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University of Bristol

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Funded PhD in Neuroscience and Organ Protection: Harnessing Hibernation Biology for Organ Protection University of Bristol in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Neuroscience

Funding

Funded through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Funding includes 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 also available.

Deadline

Oct 21, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Bristol

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Keywords

Neuroscience
Physiology
Biology
Renal Physiology
Neuropsychology
Medical Science
Ischemia-reperfusion Injury

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About this position

Funded PhD project at the University of Bristol in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience: “You snooze, you win: harnessing hibernation biology for organ protection.” This project sits at the intersection of neuroscience, biology, medical science, and ischaemia-reperfusion injury, asking how synthetic torpor can protect the heart and kidneys from injury.

The project explores how activating specific hypothalamic neurons in the preoptic area can induce torpor-like states, even in animals that do not naturally hibernate. The research aims to understand whether organ protection still occurs if torpor is induced after injury has begun, whether kidneys are also protected, and how the brain drives peripheral resilience mechanisms. Students can shape part of the project according to their interests, with routes focused on physiology of synthetic torpor, circuit neuroscience, or RNA sequencing/proteomics-based cellular resilience programmes.

Training includes systems neuroscience, chemo- and/or optogenetics, in-vivo and ex-vivo cardiac and renal ischaemia-reperfusion models, vagotomy and renal nerve transection, telemetered ECG, core temperature and activity recordings, rodent echocardiography, and single-cell/spatial RNA sequencing plus proteomic analysis. The project is highly translational, with relevance to critical illness, heart attack, major surgery, transplantation, and potentially suspended animation.

Applicants from basic science or clinical backgrounds are welcome. A strong interest in in-vivo physiology is essential, and quantitative/computational analysis would be an advantage for the omics-focused route. Full training is provided. Funding covers UK tuition fees and a UK Research Council minimum stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27), plus up to £5,000 per year for additional research training and support.

Apply via the GW4 BioMed website by 5:00pm on 21 October 2026. You may select up to two projects and submit one application per candidate. Shortlisted applicants will be notified in December 2026, with virtual interviews in January 2027 and a planned start date of 1 October 2027.

Funding details

Funded through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Funding includes 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 also available.

What's required

Applicants from basic science or clinical backgrounds are welcome. A strong interest in in-vivo physiology is essential. Experience with quantitative or computational analysis would be an advantage for the omics-focused route, though full training will be provided.

How to apply

Review the project list and application guidance on the GW4 BioMed website. Select up to two projects and submit one application per candidate. Complete the online application for an offer of funding by 5:00pm on 21 October 2026, and if shortlisted, later apply for an offer to study at the chosen institution.

More information can be found here

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