Defining the epitranscriptomic signature of vascular ageing

About the Project

How does RNA methylation affect ageing process?

Our research

Ageing is now the main risk factor for age-related diseases development through the deterioration of heart and vessel physiological functions. Our understanding of the causes driving cardiovascular ageing is still limited, precluding the design strategies able to contain or delay it. Gaining a better understanding of its mechanisms is of paramount importance for tackling the growing epidemic of age-related diseases. Our labs aim at identifying novel mechanism involved in the regulation of vascular ageing and finding new solutions to maintain healthy ageing.

About the project

Epitranscriptomic dysregulation is a hallmark of vascular ageing. Among over 170 RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant and fundamental for RNA metabolism, yet its role in vascular ageing remains underexplored. This studentship will deliver the first comprehensive study of m6A methylation in vascular ageing by addressing three questions: (1) how m6A shapes endothelial ageing; (2) whether age-related m6A patterns can serve as biomarkers; and (3) whether targeting m6A offers a gerotherapeutic strategy to preserve vascular health.

The successful candidate will combine direct RNA/m6A sequencing, in vivo mouse models and analysis of human clinical cohorts to map age‑dependent m6A changes, test their prognostic value and evaluate whether gerotherapeutic interventions can reverse m6A‑linked vascular dysfunction. This research will define robust biomarkers of vascular ageing, and accelerate therapeutic repurposing to pioneer novel interventions that extend healthspan and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from motivated candidates with a strong background in biomedical or biological sciences, ideally with experience in cell and molecular biology and/or bioinformatics. You should be keen to develop both experimental skills and computational skills for analysing high‑throughput sequencing data.

Why Apply?

This is an exciting opportunity to explore the frontier of RNA biology and discover how chemical modifications can influence health, disease, and the fundamental biology of ageing, preparing you for a successful biomedical research career in academia or industry. You will join Newcastle’s Vascular Biology & Medicine Theme and the NUAGE ageing research centre, working in a highly collaborative environment with access to state‑of‑the‑art imaging, sequencing and computational facilities, and close links between basic and clinical researchers.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please reach out to Simon Tual-Chalot at simon.tual-chalot@newcastle.ac.uk

Join us to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving vascular ageing and make a meaningful contribution to the science of healthy ageing!

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.