Masters by Research in School of Education, Health & Science

University of Gloucestershire

Description

MScR Title: Development and Validation of Capillary Based Point of Care Biomarker Testing for Use in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Fee waiver for home student 2 year part-time

Gloucester (industry partner), Francis Close Hall and Oxstalls Campuses

PART-TIME MASTER OF SCIENCE BY RESEARCH IN EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE (FRANCIS CLOSE HALL AND OXSTALLS CAMPUSES) IN COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY PARTNER INUVI (GLOUCESTER) STARTING IN OCTOBER 2026.

The University of Gloucestershire is offering a part-time Master of Science by Research (MSc by Research) opportunity to cover the full payment of tuition fees for a home (UK only) student for two years and associated laboratory consumables/reagents costs. This is a unique opportunity to conduct an exciting and novel MSc by Research with a vibrant and productive research team.

Cardiac rehabilitation reduces mortality and improves the quality of life of patients following a cardiovascular event. These programmes include structured exercise with nutrition and lifestyle education. However, the clinical utility of emerging monitoring approaches such as cardiovascular biomarkers in patient outcomes is understudied.

Our project aims to evaluate the reliability of capillary blood sampling and comparing with traditional venous sampling, for measuring key cardiovascular biomarkers in cardiac rehabilitation patients. We will investigate whether these biomarkers are associated with 1) clinical outcomes including response to rehabilitation and long-term prognosis, and 2) indicators of cardiovascular health such as arterial stiffness and blood pressure. The successful candidate would be expected to conduct biochemical assays on a range of key and emerging biochemical markers, as well as other physiological measures of health and disease such as cardiovascular assessments including arterial stiffness and blood pressure.

Successful applicants will form part of a research team led by Dr Sarah Curtis – Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science.

Applicants must be UK nationals, have a relevant honours degree of at least a 2.1 standard or equivalent in a Biomedical Science, Sport & Exercise Science, or related field. A specific interest in cardiovascular disease and assay development is essential.

How to apply:

Please send a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability to:

Dr Sarah Curtis
School of Health, Education and Science
QU116 Francis Close Hall Campus,
The University of Gloucestershire, GL50 4AZ
scurtis2@glos.ac.uk

Selection process: Short-listed candidates will be invited for interview to the University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall Campus (GL50 4AZ) or by video conference, in the week beginning April 27th 2026.

Academic Contact: For informal enquiries and further information, please contact:
Dr Sarah Curtis (scurtis2@glos.ac.uk)