PhD and MSc Studentships
CVS welcomes 8-12 new MSc students and 10-20 new PhD students each year.
Students with alternative sources of funding may apply online for admission to the MSc in Cardiovascular Biology or as a PhD student in the CVS.
Current Opportunities
Our British Heart Foundation 4-Year PhD Programmes are now full for the September 2013 intake. We will soon be recruitng for September 2014 with an anticipated application deadline of December 2013 and interviews in January/February 2014. Updates will be posted here. Please note that these studentships are not open to students classified as International for Fee Status. Please verify your Fee status with the University's Registry before making your application.
The Centre is currently recruiting for the following 3-year PhD studentships:
A College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine 3 Year PhD studentship (to start October 2013): "In Search of Human "Healthy Lean Genes". Supervised by Dr Nicholas Morton (Reader in Molecular Metabolism, University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences), Dr James Wilson (Reader in Population and Disease Genetics, Population Health Sciences) and Dr Pau Navarro (Post-doctoral fellow, MRC Human Genetics Unit). The PhD would suit a student with a background in Quantitative or molecular genetics.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Morton in the first instance (Nik.morton@ed.ac.uk). Applications should be made online (www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees?id=208&cw_xml=details.php).
The closing date for applications is July 3rd 2013.
Overview of Training Programmes
BHF 4 year PhD Programme (4 studentships)
Under this studentship the first year of training incorporates three research projects through which students will develop key research skills. In parallel, small-group tutorials will cover the basic physiology of the cardiovascular system, progressing to cardiovascular disease in semester 2. These sessions bring students into contact with senior academics (basic and clinical) from the Centre of Cardiovascular Science and facilitate the development of critical reading and scientific presentation skills. Scientific writing and data presentation/analysis techniques are acquired through workshops provided by the University's Institute of Academic Development. These skills are employed as students compile their project reports. The assessment of these reports leads to an MSc by Research in Cardiovascular Biology. During the first year, students match to their main PhD project. This is a student-driven process: individuals are able to make an informed choice of research area and supervisor. The PhD is completed within the four year period.
The programme provides broad-based research training in biomedical science with the focus on the molecular basis of cardiovascular disease. Excellent core research facilities are available and experimental approaches include molecular genetics, cell biology, pharmacology, physiology and bioinformatics with an emphasis on the integration of these skills to provide a better understanding of the main cause of death in the UK
BHF Centre of Research Excellence PhD Studentships (3 studentships)
The University of Edinburgh, one of the UK's leading institutions for biomedical research, has established a four year PhD programme in cardiovascular science sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. The Centre for Cardiovascular Science at the University of Edinburgh is the recipient of a £7.6m British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence Award. Included within this award is a prestigious new research and training programme to improve the prevention and treatment of heart and circulatory disease, which affects millions of people in the UK and we have established a PhD training programme specifically for graduates with non-biomedical backgrounds. This includes, the physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, informatics and engineering. Whilst some prior exposure to biological research would be an advantage, it is not essential.
The first year incorporates laboratory-based research projects through which students develop key research skills and gain experience in several aspects of cardiovascular biology. This research is supported by a taught module through which students engage with the latest research ideas and develop skills for critical analysis of the literature and scientific presentation. This approach allows students to make an informed choice of their research area and take a lead role in developing a main PhD project under the guidance of their selected supervisor team.
To apply for either scheme:
Studentships are aimed at outstanding students wishing to pursue a career in cardiovascular research. A generous tax-free stipend, research costs and tuition fees at the home/EU rate are provided. Please note that students classified as International for University Fee purposes are not eligible for this programme. Students require a BSc Hons (at least upper second class) or equivalent or a Masters qualification in an appropriate discipline.
There is no online application for these programmes. Applications should be sent directly to:
Elaine Jefferies
Centre for Cardiovascular Science
The University of Edinburgh
The Queen's Medical Research Institute
47, Little France Crescent
EDINBURGH EH16 4TJ
Elaine.jefferies@ed.ac.uk
Applications must include: A curriculum vitae, a personal statement detailing your research interests and why you would like to pursue a 4-year PhD at Edinburgh University, and letters of support from three (preferably academic) referees.
Informal enquiries can be made to the Postgraduate Director, Dr Matthew Bailey, by email (Matthew.Bailey@ed.ac.uk)
Other PhD studentships
3 Year PhD studentship: a studentship funded by the NC3Rs is avaliable for September 2013. The project "Development of urinary exosomes as biomarkers for drug-induced kidney injury" is supervised by Dr James Dear, who can be contacted for further details.