Identifying mechanisms and treatments for diaphragm dysfunction in disease

This project aims to elucidate the pathological mechanisms underlying diaphragm dysfunction in disease and identify clinically relevant therapeutic targets by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.<br /> <br /> One full scholarship is available in the School of Biomedical Sciences in 2026/27. This scholarship is open to UK applicants and covers fees plus maintenance.<br /> <br /> Using a multidisciplinary approach and advanced experimental models, this project will investigate key mechanisms contributing to pathological diaphragm dysfunction, including molecular muscle biology mechanisms, neural dysregulation, and breathing mechanics, employing in vivo, in vitro, and in situ functional and structural techniques.<br /> <br /> This fully funded PhD place provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in a range of fields relating to cardiovascular and metabolic medicine.<br /> <br /> The School of Biomedical Sciences invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27 for the Biomedical Sciences Alumni Studentship (John Findlay PhD Scholarship).<br /> <br /> The award is open to full-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree in the School of Biomedical Sciences.

<p>Breathing is sustained throughout life by rhythmic contractions of the primary respiratory muscle, the diaphragm. This intricate and complex process is determined by upstream neural activation connected to downstream muscle contraction linked to adequate breathing mechanics. In many acute and chronic conditions such as critical illness, heart failure, cancer, lung disease, genetic diseases, and ageing, diaphragm dysfunction often develops and is a major clinical complication. We still do not fully understand what causes diaphragm dysfunction nor what the best therapeutic targets are.</p> <p>This project, therefore, will utilise a multidisciplinary approach to identify mechanisms underlying diaphragm dysfunction and develop improved treatments in the context of acute mechanical ventilation and chronic heart failure through application of preclinical models. The project supervision team includes primary supervisor Scott Bowen (<a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/school-biomedical-sciences/staff/33/dr-scott-bowen">Dr Scott Bowen | School of Biomedical Sciences | University of Leeds</a>) and co-supervisors <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/biological-sciences/staff/1842/dr-oliver-price">Oliver Price</a> and <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/school-biomedical-sciences/staff/41/dr-samit-chakrabarty">Samit Chakrabarty</a>. You will access expertise in muscle biology and cardiology (Bowen), neuroscience (Chakrabarty), and pulmonary physiology (Price) in a project that brings together complimentary knowledge and methodologies to enhance your research experience and training working within the Cardiovascular and Exercise group (<a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/cardiovascular">Cardiovascular and Exercise Sciences | Faculty of Biological Sciences | University of Leeds</a>).</p> <p>To do this, you will apply in vivo, in vitro, and in situ functional and structural techniques to focus on intrinsic contractile function, neural control, and breathing mechanics. By assessing diaphragm dysfunction under both acute (mechanical ventilation) and chronic (heart failure) conditions, and through our multidisciplinary approaches, we will then be able to select and test optimal rescue treatments during this project such as clinically available medications or exercise training. Our reach to both local and international clinical collaborators will be used to strengthen the clinical translational of this project. Overall, this project holds promise to identify new therapeutic targets underlying diaphragm dysfunction across relevant clinical contexts.</p>

<p>Please note that this is one of five advertised projects for the John Findlay PhD Scholarship, applicants should only submit one application for this award.</p> <p>To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application.</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Biological Science as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for a John Findlay PhD Scholarship.</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Within the we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+; and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Biomedical Sciences should normally have an undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Master's degree is desirable, but not essential. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 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.

<p>We are offering 1 full-time PhD scholarship in the School of Biomedical Sciences for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant matching the UKRI stipend (£21,805 for 2025/26) and UK tuition fees for 4 years. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</p> <p>Other conditions:</p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of hte University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about the admissions process, please contact the FBS PGR Admissions Team: <a href="mailto:fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk">fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>