PhD Studentship: Cystic Fibrosis: Implications for Vascular Health and Function

Manchester Metropolitan University

Qualification Type: PhD

Location: Manchester

Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students

Funding amount: Only home tuition fees will be covered, which is £5,006 for the year 2025/26. Eligible international students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding (Band 3 £30,500 for the year 2025/26).

Hours: Full Time

Placed On: 18th August 2025

Closes: 10th September 2025

Reference: SciEng-RJ-2025-26-Cystic Fibrosis

Project advert

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterised by the dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Result is a progressive decline in respiratory, gastrointestinal and metabolic function with chronic cycles of infection and inflammation. Advancements in therapeutic care have led to the development of CFTR modulators, which have substantially increased the lifespan and quality of life of these patients. However, as life expectancy increases, early evidence now suggests that the ageing cohort CF patients are at an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The exact reasons for this remain unclear. This is an exciting project suitable for an enthusiastic and passionate PhD candidate aiming to explore the link between CF and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular health. This 3-year funded PhD opportunity is housed within the Department of Life Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University and will run in close partnership with Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. The project will require the successful candidate to work closely in a hands-on manner with patients and they must work effectively with the clinical staff in the hospital for the successful delivery of the project. The student is expected to travel between the University and the Hospital Trust in Liverpool.

Project aims and objectives

Using the state-of-the-art integrative physiology techniques, this multi-disciplinary project aims to investigate the impact of CF on peripheral and cerebral vasomotor function and determine associations with blood markers of inflammation/oxidative stress and with clinical care of patients. The project also aims to determine the associations between cerebral vasomotor health and anxiety/depression in CF patients.

Funding

Home and international students can apply. Only home tuition fees will be covered, which is £5,006 for the year 2025/26. Eligible international students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding (Band 3 £30,500 for the year 2025/26). The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award, which is three years. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26.

Specific requirements of the candidate

• Very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent) in the field of Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Biosciences, Biomedical Sciences, or similar.
• Organisation and excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and problem solve.
• Good communication skills to effectively work with patients and clinical staff in charge of patient care.
• Amenable to travel between the University and the hospital Trust in Liverpool.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Principal Investigator Dr Rehan Junejo for an informal discussion. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed prior to appointment. To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Bioscience. As part of the application, you should also complete a standard CV and a cover letter, addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have map against the areas of research, essential/desirable skills and personal attributes. You should also address why you see this particular research area as being of importance and interest. If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk. Closing date: 10 September 2025. Expected start date: January 2026. Please quote the reference: SciEng-RJ-2025-26-Cystic Fibrosis.