At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate how embryonic tissue regulates heart artery development and defects.
- Company: Newcastle University, a leader in biomedical research.
- Benefits: 100% tuition fees, £21,114 stipend, research costs, and conference travel.
- Other info: Interdisciplinary training with excellent career prospects in research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on congenital heart defects and gain valuable research skills.
- Qualifications: 2:1 Honours degree in biology or related field; bioinformatics interest required.
The predicted salary is between 19100 - 23200 £ per year.
Award summary: 100% of home tuition fees paid; annual stipend starting at £21,114; research costs and travel to conferences.
Overview: Congenital cardiovascular malformations are the most common birth defects and remain a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Despite their clinical importance, the molecular mechanisms controlling development of the aortic arch arteries, which give rise to the major arteries supplying the heart and body, are poorly understood. This PhD project will investigate how the pharyngeal endoderm, a specialised embryonic tissue, regulates aortic arch artery development and how disruption of these processes contributes to congenital heart defects. The project will combine state-of-the-art single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial gene expression analysis and molecular biology approaches to identify transcriptional networks and signalling pathways controlling cardiovascular development. Using novel datasets generated from mouse models of congenital heart defects, the project will define cell-cell communication pathways and gene regulatory networks involved in normal and abnormal artery formation. Key findings will be validated in developing embryos and investigated mechanistically using an epithelial cell model.
This interdisciplinary project provides training in developmental biology, bioinformatics, spatial transcriptomics, cell culture, imaging and molecular genetics, equipping the student with highly sought-after skills for careers in academic, biomedical and translational research.
Number of awards: 1
Start date: 4th January 2027
Award duration: 3 Years
Sponsor: British Heart Foundation
Supervisors:
- Dr. Simon Bamforth
- Dr. Helen Phillips
- Dr. Stephen White
Eligibility criteria: You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in biology, genetics, biomedicine, or a related area. The candidate must be willing to learn bioinformatics. A further qualification such as an MRes is advantageous. The studentship covers fees at the Home rate only. Successful international candidates will be required to make up the difference between home fees and international fees. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subsection.
PhD Studentship in Cardiovascular Development: “Pharyngeal endoderm transcriptional networks regulating aortic arch artery development and malformation”, funded by the British Heart Foundation in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of immuno-oncology research. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from numerous growth opportunities while contributing to impactful projects in a supportive team atmosphere. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge research and make meaningful contributions to healthcare advancements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Cardiovascular Development: “Pharyngeal endoderm transcriptional networks regulating aortic arch artery development and malformation”, funded by the British Heart Foundation in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including Newcastle University, offer structured pathways for interns, so check their careers page or your university's career services to snag those early opportunities.
✨Connect with Researchers and Alumni
Tap into biotechnology-focused online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or local biotech meetups. Networking with seasoned professionals or alumni from your university can give you an inside track on internships that may not be widely advertised. A little conversation can go a long way!
✨Get Involved in Research Projects
If you haven’t already, volunteer for or participate in research projects at your university. This hands-on experience not only builds your CV but also helps you make connections with faculty who can recommend you or point you to internship opportunities at companies like Newcastle University.
✨Keep Your Application Needs in Mind
When you're ready to apply, make sure your online portfolio reflects relevant projects and any lab techniques you’re familiar with. Showcasing your understanding of biotechnology, particularly what relates to the work done at Newcastle University, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Cardiovascular Development: “Pharyngeal endoderm transcriptional networks regulating aortic arch artery development and malformation”, funded by the British Heart Foundation in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a biotech internship, showcasing any relevant lab skills is crucial. If you've worked with lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR, make sure these stand out in your CV. We want to see that you have hands-on experience and can contribute from day one.
Share Your Academic Projects:Don't forget to mention any academic projects related to biotechnology. If you've conducted research or completed projects that involved analysis or experimentation, highlight these in your cover letter. It shows us your practical understanding of biotech concepts and your motivation to learn more.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on your passion for biotechnology and your eagerness to learn. Use this space to explain why you want to intern with Newcastle University specifically and how this experience aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to list any relevant coursework on your CV. Classes like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics can really make you stand out. We want to see that you've got the foundational knowledge, as it helps us gauge how easily you'll adapt to our projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
As we're diving into the biotechnology world, it's essential to refresh your knowledge on commonly used lab techniques. Be prepared to discuss methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. They might even ask you to explain the principles behind them or how you've used them in your studies!
✨Show Your Passion for Bioscience
Internships are all about eagerness to learn and grow, so let your enthusiasm for biotechnology shine through! Share any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experiences that showcase your motivation and dedication to the field. This will show Newcastle University that you're not just looking for any gig, but you're genuinely excited about contributing to their research.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a biotech internship interview, be ready for scenarios that test your problem-solving skills. For example, how would you handle a contamination issue in an experiment? Practising these types of questions will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are key traits for any budding biotechnologist.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Biotechnology often involves collaboration, so emphasising your ability to work in a team is crucial. Think about group projects or lab work where you collaborated with peers. Sharing these experiences will show Newcastle University that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
