DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Mechanical activation of TGFbeta signaling 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 TGFbeta and BMP pathways which control 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 (University of Sheffield) and Professor Helen Arthur (University of Newcastle).

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: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/iicd/profiles/paulevans

Professor Helen Arthur’s group has a long standing interest in how TGFbeta signalling regulates vascular development and maturation. Mutations in key TGFbeta receptors lead to a range of vascular diseases caused by altered endothelial function. Establishing the importance of TGFbeta receptors in regulating normal endothelial function has opened up new opportunities to better understand inflammatory vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis.

More information on Professor Arthur’s work can be found here: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/igm/staff/profile/helenarthur

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

This studentship is part of the MRC Discovery Medicine North (DiMeN) partnership and is funded for 3.5 years. Including the following financial support:

• Tax-free maintenance grant at the national UK Research Council rate
• Full payment of tuition fees at the standard UK/EU rate
• Research training support grant (RTSG)
• Travel allowance for attendance at UK and international meetings
• Opportunity to apply for Flexible Funds for further training and development