PhD Studentship: The Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Cardiomyocyte Developmental (SMITH_U24DTP1)

Primary Supervisor: Dr James Smith 

Cardiomyocytes are the muscle cells of the heart, responsible for the production of contraction forces. During development, cardiomyocytes withdraw from the cell-cycle and switch from proliferative, growth to non-proliferative, hypertrophic growth. It is becoming clear that the extracellular matrix molecules play a key role in regulating this switch, and specifically heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). In this project, the student will investigate how HSPGs facilitate differential growth factor signalling to promote the switch from proliferation to maturation in cardiomyocytes.     

This project will use state-of-the-art gene edited pluripotent stem cell models, to gain new insights relating to the mechanisms involved in regulating cardiomyocyte function. Training will be provided in the areas of stem cell biology, cardiac biology, differentiation, advanced flow cytometry, single cell sorting, RT-qPCR, and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing.  

As well as the specific training detailed above, students will have access to high-quality training in scientific and generic skills, as well as access to a wide-range of seminars and training opportunities. The project will be carried out at the Smith Lab at the Bob Champion Research and Education building, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia.  

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will potentially be interviewed on 4, 5, and 6 June 2024.

For further information on eligibility and how to apply visit here.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2023/4 stipend rate: £18,622), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.