MRC NW-DMS DLA programme : Cardiac Ion Channels and Immune Signalling in Ischaemic Heart Disease: New Opportunities for Cardioprotection and Arrhythmia Prevention

Overview

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is frequently associated with myocardial ischaemia (reduced blood flow to the heart) and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The electrical activity of the heart is controlled by ion channels, specialised proteins that regulate the movement of charged ions across cardiac cell membranes. Alterations in ion channel function are known to occur during disease and can influence both cardiac injury and recovery. However, the mechanisms linking ion channel activity, cardiac protection, susceptibility to arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, and inflammation remain incompletely understood.

About this opportunity

This PhD project will investigate how modulation of cardiac ion channels influences the heart’s response to ischaemia and other pathological stresses. We hypothesise that ischaemia will change how ion channels behave in the heart. Furthermore, as hearts recover from ischaemia, we hypothesise that the inflammatory responses that often accompany tissue damage, will alter how ion channel’s function, so affecting the function of the heart. This research therefore aims to identify mechanisms through which changes in ion channel activity can either protect the heart or increase the risk of abnormal cardiac rhythms. The project will also explore how inflammatory and immune responses triggered by cardiac injury alter electrical signalling within the heart and contribute to disease progression.

The research will combine studies at multiple levels of biological organisation, from individual cardiac cells to intact hearts. The student will examine electrical activity in both ventricular and atrial tissues to determine how disease-related changes affect cardiac excitability and rhythm. By integrating electrophysiological measurements with pharmacological and physiological approaches, the project will investigate how ion channel regulation and immune signalling interact to influence cardiac function.

Experimental methodologies will include

Additional studies will examine the effects of inflammatory mediators on cardiac electrical activity and ion channel function.

As a CASE studentship in partnership with Maxion Therapeutics, the project will also provide exposure to industrial drug discovery approaches. During a three-month placement, the student will gain experience in high-throughput ion channel screening technologies and evaluate how inflammatory pathways influence ion channel modulation in scalable assay systems. This interdisciplinary programme will provide comprehensive training in cardiac electrophysiology, cardiovascular physiology, pharmacology, data analysis, and translational research. The work will generate new insights into the interplay between ion channels, inflammation, and cardiac function, helping to identify novel therapeutic strategies for preventing cardiac injury and arrhythmias.

• patch-clamp electrophysiology to measure ionic currents in individual heart cells,
• Calcium Fluorescence imaging
• tissue electrophysiology to assess electrical activity in cardiac preparations
• Contractile function assays using video-edge detection
• Langendorff-perfused whole-heart models to study functional responses during controlled ischaemic conditions

Who is this for?

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant subject area, such as Physiology, Pharmacology or Life/Biomedical sciences. Research experience in cardiovascular physiology or pharmacology is desirable.

International applicants

We are only able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.

International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying. Visit our English Language requirements page to find out more.

How to apply

• 1. Contact supervisors Supervisory team: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/richard-rainbow https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/n-liptrott https://www.maxiontherapeutics.com Before you Apply Browse our MRC NW-DMS DLA projects and discover one you’re passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals. Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

1. Contact supervisors

• https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/richard-rainbow
• https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/n-liptrott
• https://www.maxiontherapeutics.com
• 2. Prepare your application documents All applications to University of Liverpool projects should be submitted via the Microsoft Forms link: MRC NW-DMS DLA candidate application form 2027/28 entry – University of Liverpool – Fill in form You may apply for up to two projects from the programme at University of Liverpool via this scheme. To do so, submit a single online application form selecting both project titles you wish to apply to. Following your online form submission, you should then email NW-DMSrecruitment@liverpool.ac.uk with the following supporting documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Supporting Statement Academic Certificates and Transcripts English Language certificates where required Passport photo page copy Please use the email subject line: MRC NW-DMS DLA application [insert your full name] so we can match your email submission to your online form submission. Please ensure you use exactly the same first name and surname on this form and on your email. You must submit both your online form and the required supporting documents by the deadline. If applying for two University of Liverpool projects, you only need to submit the supporting documents once. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applications should not be made through the University of Liverpool’s application portal. Once you have completed your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Deadline: Friday 27 th November 2026, midnight UK time Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help with this stage of the process, or have any queries regarding your eligibility (such as if you achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances), please contact the Liverpool NW-DMS team for advice at NW-DMSrecruitment@liverpool.ac.uk Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Liverpool, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on our website .

2. Prepare your application documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Supporting Statement
• Academic Certificates and Transcripts
• English Language certificates where required
• Passport photo page copy
• 3. Apply Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

Funding your PhD

These studentships are available to UK and international applicants, and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate , subject to eligibility, for four years. This does not include any costs associated with relocation. This scheme is open to both UK and international applicants.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Research areas