Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Cardiovascular Sciences at University of Manchester 2026

This PhD project is an interdisciplinary approach to exploring mitotic spindle dynamics in growing blood vessels. 

The main objective of this interdisciplinary PhD project will be to explore how the dynamic movement of the mitotic spindle is generated during both angiogenesis and in established vessels. This project will combine high spatial and temporal resolution live imaging of growing blood vessels in zebrafish larvae with innovative image analysis and novel mathematical modellin. In doing so it will explore how this key aspect of cell division works during the growth of the vasculature. It will build on recent work describing asymmetric cell division during angiogenesis (Lovegrove et al, Science, 2025 & Costa*, Harrington*, Lovegrove* et al, 2016) and preliminary data generated using computational modelling (collaboration with the Finegan-Bergstralh group, University of Missouri, USA). This has identified VE-Cadherin as a potential candidate that aids mitotic spindle positioning in endothelial cells, by binding to and directing the localisation of the force-generating molecular machinery capable of manoeuvring mitotic spindles. 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineDecember 7, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Manchester
• City to studyManchester
• School to studyUniversity of Manchester
• Course to studyBiological Sciences , Biology , Biomedial Science , Cardiovascular Sciences , Health , Medicine and Health Sciences
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The BBSRC studentships provide full funding for tuition fees and a stipend at the Research Councils UK (UKRI) rate for four years starting in September 2026.
• Please note, candidates will need to cover the cost of relocation and any associated costs (e.g. visa, health surcharges).

Requirements

• Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a First or Upper Second class (2:1) UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.   

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Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Candidates must contact the primary supervisor before applying to discuss their interest in the project and assess their suitability.    
• Apply directly via this link: https://tinyurl.com/zycedema or on the online application portal, select BBSRC DTP PhD as the programme of study. You may apply for up to two projects within this scheme. To do so, submit a single online application listing both project titles and the names of both main supervisors in the relevant sections.    
• Please ensure that your application includes all required supporting documents:   
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)    
  • Supporting Statement    
  • Academic Certificates and Transcripts   
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Further details are available on the website: BBSRC North West Doctoral Programme in Bioscience | Biology, Medicine and Health | The University of Manchester 

To learn more, visit University of Manchester Scholarship webpage