BHF Multidisciplinary Doctoral Training Programme (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free stipend

Tuition fees covered

Consumables budget

Travel allowance

Overseas fees support

Job summary

University of Cambridge, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, invites applications for the second intake of the British Heart Foundation 4-Year Multidisciplinary Doctoral Training Programme in Secondary Prevention of Vascular Dysfunction and Disease. Selected candidates will join a four-year, fully funded path with cross-institution supervision and access to cutting-edge facilities.

The programme includes core training, two 12-week rotations, and exposure to partner institutions;

Qualifications

• Hold or expect a first or upper second-class undergraduate degree in a relevant life science subject.
• Interdisciplinary interests and inclusive mindset are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Undertake core research and bespoke specialist training in year 1.
• Complete two 12-week laboratory rotations across complementary disciplines.
• Engage in cross-institutional symposia and cohort-building activities.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biomedical sciences, Bioengineering or related life science subject

Job description

Secondary Prevention of Vascular Dysfunction and DiseaseUniversity of Cambridge, in collaboration with the University of OxfordStart date: October 2027Fully funded studentshipsApplications are invited for the second intake of the new British Heart Foundation (BHF) 4-Year Multidisciplinary Doctoral Training Programme that brings together researchers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, with a focus on Secondary Prevention of Vascular Dysfunction and Disease. This flagship programme will train the next generation of cardiovascular scientists to develop innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches to halt, stabilise and reverse vascular disease in high-risk patients.Students will be admitted to either the University of Oxford (up to 8 studentships) or the University of Cambridge (2 studentships) and will benefit from co-supervision, training, collaboration and access to world-class research infrastructure across partner institutions.Instructions for applying to Cambridge are given below.Vascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, stroke and aortic aneurysm, remain leading causes of death and disability worldwide. While acute care has advanced significantly, therapeutic innovation aimed at preventing disease progression and reversing established pathology has stagnated. We will identify new targets for secondary prevention and disease regression, ultimately reducing cardiovascular risk in vulnerable populations. Recent transformative technological advances, including multi-omics and AI-enhanced imaging, provide unprecedented new opportunities to gain novel mechanistic insights and develop urgently needed treatments.In a truly multidisciplinary programme, students will work across four interconnected research themes:Defining disease - Deep phenotyping, imaging and patient stratificationElaborating mechanisms and biomarkers - Multi-omics and genetic discoveryModulating cell death and inflammation - Systems immunology and therapeutic targetingMaintaining vascular stability - Cell biology, biomechanics and regenerative approachesThe programme leverages world-leading infrastructure including BHF Centres of Research Excellence at both institutions, large-scale clinical datasets (e.g. UK Biobank), advanced imaging platforms, spatial transcriptomics hubs, and cutting-edge immunophenotyping facilities.This structured 4-year doctoral training programme is designed to provide a level of integration and breadth beyond that of a traditional PhD. To establish a firm foundation for doctoral research, in year 1, students will undertake core research and bespoke specialist training, as well as two 12-week laboratory rotations in complementary disciplines, before progressing to a three-year main research project. Cross-institutional symposia and cohort-building activities will feature in all four years, and there will be opportunities to interact with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners, and to undertake training in entrepreneurship, innovation and commercial translation. The programme aims to produce graduates equipped for careers in academia, industry, biotechnology, healthcare, policy and beyond.Each fully funded 4-year studentship includes:-A tax-free stipend at the standard BHF rate (currently £21,747/year; rising over the 4 years)-University tuition fees at the home rate-Consumables budget-Travel allowance for conferences-Additional funds to visit partners within the programmeStudentships will fully fund those who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees). International students who are able to meet the additional costs of overseas tuition fees through other scholarships or funding schemes will also be considered.Students must commence in October 2027.Eligibility Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as Biochemistry, Biomedical sciences, Bioengineering or related life science subject. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with interdisciplinary interests and from groups underrepresented in cardiovascular research.Equality, Diversity and Inclusion We are committed to fostering an inclusive research culture aligned with the BHF \"Igniting Change\" strategy. Recruitment will be conducted transparently and equitably. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.Application ProcessApplicants should submit:-CV-Academic transcripts-Covering letter/personal statement (<1000 words), outlining research interests and motivation.-Two academic references-Evidence of competence in English (if required)Applications should be submitted to Cambridge via: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvmdpdecr Selected applicants will be invited to interview in early January 2027. Application deadline: 8th Dec 2027For further information Please contact: Cambridge - [e-mail] quote reference RC51350 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.