Funding opportunities are launched throughout the year - Please check these pages regularly for updates
| Title | Summary | Deadline | Full details and how to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defining the Immune Functions of Lung Pericytes & Their Dysregulation in Asthma |
Supervised by Dr Regis Joulia and Dr Graeme Birdsey, the appointed student will carry out a project on the role of pericytes during asthma. Pericytes are structural cells surrounding endothelial cells around blood vessels. Pericyte dysfunction or loss has been documented in numerous cardiovascular disorders such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and cancer. The importance of pericytes during chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD remains elusive with very few studies analysing their role. |
12 June 2026 |
Please provide a CV, a personal statement detailing your research interests and reasons for applying, degree certificate(s), marks for your degree(s) and the names of two academic references (we will only contact referees for successful applicants). All documents should be in electronic format and sent via e-mail to Dr Régis Joulia (r.joulia@imperial.ac.uk)
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The PhD will focus on the immune response mounted following vaccination with live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). The successful candidate will work within the Thwaites laboratory at the Hammersmith hospital campus of the National Heart and Lung Institute, 911今日黑料. We will conduct analyses of the titre and function of mucosal and blood antibodies in samples donated by people receiving different influenza vaccines. We will additionally analyse the frequency and function of T cells in both the blood and airway tissues from these donors. Furthermore, we will collaborate with partners of the MOVE consortium, a new partnership with AstraZeneca and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to achieve these goals. Depending on project progress and direction, placement opportunities may arise with MOVE partners during the PhD project. |
3 July 2026 |
To apply, please submit a one-page personal statement detailing your academic background and research interests, a CV and contact information of two professional/academic references to Dr Ryan Thwaites (r.thwaites@imperial.ac.uk). The studentship is expected to start in October 2026. |
Looking for a PhD at NHLI?
If you are looking for funding to undertake a PhD with a supervisor from the National Heart and Lung Institute, please see our step by step guide on applying.