The Metabolic Origins of Cardiomyopathy: Identifying Early Mechanistic Triggers of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

About the Project

Are you fascinated by metabolic regulation, mitochondrial biology, or the mechanisms that drive heart disease? This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to uncover how early disruptions in cardiac energy metabolism trigger the onset of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which is a major cause of heart failure in young and middle‑aged adults.

The heart is one of the most energy‑demanding organs in the body, relying on continuous energy production to function. Growing evidence suggests that metabolic dysfunction is not just a consequence of DCM but may act as an early initiating factor long before symptoms develop. This project will investigate these early events to understand when the heart develops metabolic dysfunction and how this precipitates disease.

You will use a well‑established mouse model of DCM to map metabolic dysfunction across key developmental and postnatal stages before structural or functional cardiac abnormalities appear. Cutting-edge metabolomics and proteomics will be used to profile metabolic changes, supported by bioinformatic modelling to identify altered key pathways and regulators to pinpoint the earliest divergence from healthy cardiac development. Direct cellular consequences associated with early DCM phenotypes will be investigated using cell culture to establish direct impact on the mitochondria.

This is a highly interdisciplinary project combining molecular biology, cardiovascular physiology, mitochondrial science and computational analysis. You will gain hands-on experience in advanced lab techniques, data analysis, and translational research. The project offers opportunities to collaborate across research groups, universities and contribute to impactful publications.

This project is ideal for applicants with a background in biomedical sciences, physiology, or molecular biology, and an interest in metabolism, or cardiovascular health. If you're motivated to make a difference in understanding how initial metabolic defects can drive DCM onset and its translational potential, we encourage you to apply. We welcome applications from all students and are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment that values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.

Please contact Helen Phillips (Helen.Phillips@newcastle.ac.uk) for further information.

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 20^th May 2026.