Clearing the way: Transforming clot imaging to reveal structural barriers to effective antithrombotic and fibrinolytic therapy

PGR-P-2407

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Friday 13 February 2026
Country eligibility: UK only
Funding: Funded
Source of funding: External organisation

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

The School of Medicine invites expressions of interest from prospective postgraduate researchers to collaborate on an application for a British Heart Foundation (BHF) PhD studentship starting in 2026. This is not a funded position at present; instead, this is an opportunity to apply for funding with Dr Fraser Macrae as primary investigator. If successful, the award will cover tuition fees, research consumables, and a stipend. This opportunity is open to UK applicants.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

This project will focus on understanding disease mechanisms involved in thrombosis and exploring new targets for the development of new treatments. Thrombosis occurs when abnormal blood clots form inside blood vessels, blocking blood flow to vital organs. This can result in heart attacks, strokes, and deep vein thrombosis which are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Current treatments—such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), antiplatelet drugs, and clot-busting agents—are not always effective, and resistance to breakdown remains a major clinical challenge. Research suggests that changes in clot structure strongly influences thrombosis risk and treatment success, yet most studies have relied on simplified samples, like plasma without blood cells rather than whole blood, leaving critical gaps in our knowledge. Our team has developed a novel method to make whole-blood clots transparent, enabling detailed 3D imaging without damaging the sample. The successful candidate will use and refine this technique to uncover structural determinants of clot stability and breakdown resistance. Experiments will include forming clots under different conditions, imaging their architecture, testing responses to thrombolytic agents, and exploring the role of blood cell composition. The project will also investigate structural changes during thrombus maturation using in-vivo models. This research will provide unprecedented insights into clot formation, growth, and breakdown, informing the development of more effective therapies for treatment-resistant clots. In the long term, these findings could guide drug design, optimise dosing strategies, and support AI-driven models for predicting treatment success. The student will gain expertise in advanced tissue clearing, 3D microscopy, biophysical analysis, and experimental design, as well as training in scientific writing and presentation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to research with the potential to improve outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease. Entry Requirements <ul> <li paraeid="{57df9b25-9b53-49af-8947-a8f826458ea3}{200}" paraid="2030850792">Awarded or expected 1st class or high upper 2nd class BSc degree, or MSc with merit or distinction </li> </ul> Grant Duration <ul> <li>Three years (Full time) </li> </ul> If Successful, Award Includes <ul> <li>Student stipend at current BHF rates (<a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply/grant-costing-guide#stipend" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply/grant-costing-guide#stipend</a>). </li> <li>Tuition fees at standard home student rate. </li> <li>Research consumables directly attributable to the project. </li> <li>Travel funding of up to £3,000 per award to present research at or attend scientific meetings relevant to the grant. </li> </ul> Who can apply? <ul> <li>The application must be made by an established investigator who will be the supervisor for a named student. </li> <li>PhD applications are for named students only. </li> </ul> Expressions of Interest deadline <ul> <li>13th February 2026</li> </ul> BHF application deadline <ul> <li>1st April 2026 (Submit a formal PhD application at this point)</li> </ul> Funding decision <ul> <li>Late June/Early July</li> </ul> Other Conditions <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree</li> <li>Awards must be taken up by October 2026</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship</li> </ul> This project will be supervised by: Dr Fraser Macrae (<a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/2433/dr-fraser-macrae" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/2433/dr-fraser-macrae</a>) Prof Robert Ariëns (<a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/88/professor-robert-ariens" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/88/professor-robert-ariens</a>) Dr Cedric Duval (<a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/295/dr-cedric-duval" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/295/dr-cedric-duval</a>) The student will be based in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM) in the School of Medicine and Health (https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-institute-cardiovascular-metabolic-medicine). The BHF PhD studentship funding call: <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/phd-studentships" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/phd-studentships</a> For more details on this project please see this research summary: <a href="https://shorturl.at/0u7on" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://shorturl.at/0u7on</a> To discuss the project and the application process please contact Dr Fraser Macrae (<a href="mailto:medfma@leeds.ac.uk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">medfma@leeds.ac.uk</a>).

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

To apply for this opportunity please send Dr Fraser Macrae (<a href="mailto:medfma@leeds.ac.uk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">medfma@leeds.ac.uk</a>): <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> a full academic CV </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> a short cover letter (max one page) including why you would be interested in this project and details of your previous research experience. </li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For further information please email Dr Fraser Macrae (<a href="mailto:medfma@leeds.ac.uk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">medfma@leeds.ac.uk</a>)