PhD Studentship: Pathophysiology of Heart Failure: The Role of Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Function

Award Summary

Expected start date 16 September 2024; Duration 42 months; tuition fees paid and annual living expenses of £18,622 (24/25).

Overview

As an ambitious and innovative university, Coventry’s research is designed to have real-world impact on society and contribute to its mission of Creating Better Futures. Coventry University is known for delivering research which tackles a number of global challenges through its challenge-led, interdisciplinary research centres. Coventry University has moved 22 places to climb into the top half of the Times Higher Education REF2021 research power ranking – a success that demonstrates its growth as a university with world-leading research.

Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine Research Theme led by Professor Djordje Jakovljevic within the Research Centre for Health and Life Sciences aims to develop and deliver opportunities through globally significant interdisciplinary research and innovation excellence in clinical sciences and translational medicine to improve health across the life course. Using a translational research approach, we will develop, evaluate, and implement novel physiological, pharmacological, behavioural, and technological interventions to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases.

About the Project

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome associated with reduced cardiac function, poor quality of life for patients and high mortality rates. Arterial stiffness and endothelial function are clinical hallmarks of heart failure, but further evidence is required to define their role in pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction and exercise intolerance. The aim of the research programme is twofold; firstly, to evaluate and compare arterial stiffness, endothelial function, biomarkers and cardiovascular response to stress in different types of heart failure (i.e. Heart failure with preserved, mildly reduced, and reduced ejection fraction); and secondly, to evaluate the effect of pharmacological and/or lifestyle interventions on clinical phenotype in heart failure. Project is a part of ongoing research collaboration between Coventry University and University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Supervisory team for a successful candidate will be led by Professor Djordje Jakovljevic and Professor Prithwish Banerjee.   

Training and Development

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including clinical, technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry criteria for applicants to PhD

A bachelor’s (honours) degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum classification of 2:1 and a minimum mark of 60% in the project element (or equivalent), or an equivalent award from an overseas institution.

PLUS

• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years

An adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English. The general requirement is a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four sections, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections.

For further details please visit: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/research-entry-criteria/

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/

Additional requirements

Full-time mode of study

To find out more about the project please contact: Professor Djordje Jakovljevic ([email protected] )

All applications require a covering letter and a 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.