The emerging role of cardiac fibroblasts in heart physiology and pathology

 The heart is made up of many different cell types – myocytes which enable contraction, vascular cells which construct the blood supply network and fibroblasts which are traditionally thought to provide structural support. In recent years, however, it has become clear that fibroblasts are not just a passive structural scaffold, but play an active role in heart function, particularly in disease where they become activated and their number increase to >70% of all heart cells.

This PhD project will investigate the so far under explored mechanisms through which fibroblasts communicate with the myocytes and stem cells, and affect cardiac function in the normal heart and in response to cardiac diseases. The novel and exciting approach has the potential to identify new therapeutic targets which manipulate fibroblast contribution to heart function in disease.

The successful candidate will be trained in cardiac electrophysiology, tissue engineering, cardiac stem cell biology, molecular biology and advanced imaging methods. The main methodologies used in this project will be cell culture, western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, exosome purification and characterisation, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and multicellular electrophysiology methods including multi-electrode arrays and optical mapping.

Applicants should have:

• A first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area including; Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology or related disciplines.
• UK or European nationality
• Self-motivation, deep interest in research and ability to think and work independently
• Fluency in English language and good communication skills
• An MSc in cardiovascular/molecular science with merit or distinction and/or previous research experience in molecular biology or electrophysiology would be advantageous.