Secondary Prevention of Vascular Dysfunction and Disease
University of Cambridge, in collaboration with the University of Oxford
Start date: October 2027
Fully funded studentships
Applications 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 stratification
- Elaborating mechanisms and biomarkers - Multi-omics and genetic discovery
- Modulating cell death and inflammation - Systems immunology and therapeutic targeting
- Maintaining vascular stability - Cell biology, biomechanics and regenerative approaches
The 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 programme
Studentships 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 Process
Applicants 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 2026
For further information
Please contact:
Cambridge - pgmed@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Please 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.