201721MAR

MRC Industrial CASE Award studentship at Robert Gordon University

Centre for Cardiometabolic Health Research, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen MRC CASE 4 Year PhD Studentship Closing Date: Friday 28th April 2017 Applications are invited from candidates who are interested in applying for a fully funded MRC CASE scholarship, supervised by Dr Sarah Walsh and Professor Cherry Wainwright, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden, to study for a PhD in the Centre for Cardiometabolic Health Research at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. Title of project: sFRPs as a novel modulator of diastolic heart failure Project Description A 4-year MRC Industrial CASE Award Studentship, in collaboration with AstraZeneca (Sweden) is available to undertake a translational project in cardiovascular pharmacology. Heart failure (HF) is a complex multifaceted cardiovascular problem, which is a major cause of both morbidity and mortality and manifests in two different forms i.e. systolic HF and diastolic HF. While the incidence of each type is similar amongst HF patients, the survival rates for those with diastolic HF have failed to improve due to the lack of effective therapies for this form of HF. Secreted frizzled-related proteins (sFRP) are soluble proteins which play an important role in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis (function and structure). Recent work has suggested that these proteins are cardioprotective in pathophysiological settings such as myocardial ischaemia reperfusion injury and age-related hypertrophy. In addition, circulating levels of sFRPs are reduced in obesity and diabetes, which may explain the increased prevalence of heart disease in the presence of these conditions. Based on all of the available research it is possible that low levels of sFRPs may contribute to the development of diastolic HF and thus restoration of normal sFRP levels may alter outcomes in this condition, though this has yet to be investigated. This studentship aims to determine the role of sFRPs in diastolic HF using a translational approach involving cell culture studies, in vivo studies using a rodent model of cardiovascular disease, and clinical studies (plasma analysis & assessment of cardiovascular indices). This study will provide an exceptional training opportunity for the successful applicant as they will acquire skills in several in vitro techniques, in specialised in vivo techniques, and gain access to unique resources only available via an academia/industry based collaboration. Candidates should be highly motivated with a strong commitment to academic research. A First Class, or a 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) or a Masters Qualification in a relevant biomedical science discipline is absolutely essential. Enquiries about the project can been sent to s.walsh@rgu.ac.uk Funding Notes The studentship provides full university fees for UK/EU applicants, a tax-free maintenance allowance of £17,050 per annum for 4 years (UK Research Council Rates plus supplementary CASE allowance) and full running costs. The successful candidate will be expected to spend some research time in the laboratories of the partner company in Mölndal, Sweden. The studentship is available to start in October 2017. Interviews will be held on the 15th and 16th of May 2017. Application Process: Applicants should go to http://www.rgu.ac.uk/research/graduate-school/applying-for-a-research-degree/funded-studentship-opportunities and select Apply Online to create an account and apply for the MRC funded studentship.