Our British Heart Foundation funded four-year doctoral training programme (DTP) is a collaborative cohort-based PhD, equally shared between the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow, both world-leading research-intensive institutions. We are seeking innovative and highly motivated scientists who view this DTP programme as the gateway to a career in cardiovascular focussed research. Applicants are expected to have a BSc (Hons) degree (First or Upper Second class or equivalent) or a Masters qualification (Distinction or Merit) in the biomedical sciences, (bio)informatics, physics or chemistry. Program theme The vascular niche in health and disease. About the Program The British Heart Foundation (BHF) funded four-year doctoral training programme offers PhD studentships at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow. This prestigious programme provides PhD research training alongside professional career development over four years of study, and we will welcome the first cohort of students in September 2026. Programme vision The aim of our programme is to develop the next generation of world-leading cardiovascular scientists: scientifically agile, forward-looking and critically thinking researchers who are fully equipped to work across domains and tackle complex health challenges. More about what the programme involves The theme of our programme is “The vascular niche in health and disease”.The programme rests on 4 pillars: Thematic Courses in Vascular BiologyTransferable Skills/Career Development Research Culture and CommunityProject Design and ExecutionIn your first nine months on this programme you will have:research-led teaching tailored around “The vascular niche in health and disease”experiential workshop training which synergises with three individual research projects.Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged and researchers from engineering and the physical sciences are directly involved in the programme. During this phase you will select from mini-projects that best suit your desired research track. Interaction between students from different years will be facilitated through shared teaching sessions and an annual scientific symposium to showcase experience and expertise, and to establish long lasting scientific contacts. Programme Team Professor Matthew Bailey Director (University of Edinburgh) University of Edinburgh Co-directors: Dr Laura Denby Professor Adriana Tavares Professor Carmel Moran Professor Christian Delles Director (University of Glasgow) University of Glasgow Co-directors: Professor Godfrey Smith Professor Lorraine Work Professor Nikolaj Gadegaard Apply by 27 March 2026 Here's how: The deadline for submitting your application is Friday 27 March 2026. Email your completed application document and CV to BHF.PHD@ed.ac.uk Those shortlisted for interview will be invited to attend on one of the following dates: 6, 7, 11, 12 May 2026. BHF funded 4 year PhD Recruitment Form Important information about your application You must complete the recruitment form above and email this, along with your CV, to BHF.PHD@ed.ac.uk - Applications will not be considered without the recruitment form.Please only submit ONE application but indicate clearly if you wish to apply for the programme at the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow or if you have no preference over admitting institution.You must submit a CV and you should email this along with the recruitment form to BHF.PHD@ed.ac.ukYou are not required to submit a research proposal. Qualification criteria Applicants applying for a BHF DTP studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology. Funding All successful candidates (home or international) will receive a fully funded studentship covering full tuition fees, stipend, an annual research training support grant and an annual travel grant. For international students, we are unable to cover visa, NHS or relocation costs. Part-time study It may be possible to study part-time, however this will depend on the individual project. International students are not usually eligible for part-time study, you should check your specific visa conditions. Remote study Remote study is not an option. This is an on-campus programme and you are required to live within commuting distance of your lead institution. Questions? If you have any queries regarding the programme, please email Matthew.Bailey@ed.ac.uk, using the subject “BHF PhD programme”. This article was published on 2026-02-26
