PhD Studentship: Role of the developmental gene hand2 in arterial disease

Outstanding graduate scientists are invited to apply for a PhD Studentship to study the molecular mechanisms that cause atherosclerosis, a disease or arteries that is the leading cause of death in the UK. Atherosclerosis, which causes angina, heart attack and stroke, develops at branches and bends of arteries that are exposed to complex blood flow patterns. The PhD Studentship will explore the mechanisms that link blood flow patterns to disease focussing on the role of the transcription factor HAND2 which controls many fundamental cellular processes including inflammation, tissue damage and repair. The student will be encouraged to present their findings at national and international conferences and to publish in high-quality, international journals.

The PhD student will be jointly supervised by Professor Paul Evans and Dr Victoria Ridger.

Professor Paul Evans’ group studies the influence of blood flow-induced mechanical forces on arterial disease as part of a Research Programme funded by the British Heart Foundation. His research is focused on understanding how blood flow-induced mechanical forces influence endothelial cell physiology and the spatial distribution of lesions. Ultimately, he wishes to use this information to develop strategies to protect arteries from disease by inducing anti-inflammatory/protective genes.

More information on Professor Evans’ work can be found here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cardiovascularscience/profiles/evans

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should possess a good honours degree or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, engineering or a related discipline.
 

Enquiries:

For an informal discussion about this studentship please contact Prof Paul Evans:
Email: paul.evans@sheffield.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 78 256 11695

Funding Notes

The Faculty Scholarships for Medicine, Dentistry & Health cover fees and stipend at Home/EU level. Overseas students may apply but will need to fund the fee differential between Home and Overseas rate from another source.
 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should possess a good honours degree or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, engineering or a related discipline.