Investigating the link between chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.

Research interests/description of main research theme:

 Patients with chronic kidney disease are 40% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, however, mechanisms driving the cardiovascular pathogenesis are unclear. We are offering an opportunity for an excellent candidate to apply for a 3 year PhD studentship examining the cellular basis of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease.  

 By having access to serum samples from a large, prospectively collected and followed cohort of kidney patients (1-3) this study will afford a unique opportunity to assess the biological impact of endogenous cardiotonic steroids on both organ and cellular cardiac function, and allow development of new biomarkers for chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Specifically, we propose to examine the role of intracellular sodium/calcium and cardiotonic steroids (4) in determining cardiac dysfunction using novel fluorescence techniques (5,6) and examine the steroidogenesis pathways. Using a translational approach, the PhD Student will utilise the full capabilities of the new Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Birmingham. The impact of endogenous cardiotonic steroids on cardiovascular pathogenesis will be examined by a combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, novel fluorescence bioassays and use of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, within the laboratory of Dr Davor Pavlovic at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Dr Angela Taylor at the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research. The key outcomes of the PhD Studentship will be: 1. Development of analytical tools for detection and quantification of cardiotonic steroids; 2. A paper on the role of endogenous cardiotonic steroids in development of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease; 3. A paper on the steroid synthesis and conversion pathways.  

 Research Environment and Learning Outcomes: Required equipment is available at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research. The supervisory team provides a full translational approach, including basic science and access to patient samples (Dr Pavlovic and Dr Taylor). Dr Pavlovic has an excellent track record in supervising postgraduate students to completion and acts as Deputy Director for Postgraduate Research Students at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences. He has published over 55 papers. Dr Pavlovic leads a team of 1 postdoctoral researcher and 4 PhD students. He also acts as Editor in Chief of JMCC Plus [link] and is a Council member of the European Section of the International Society for Heart Research [link].

 Person Specification

Applicants should have a commitment to cardiovascular research and have an interest in translational medicine (application of basic science skills to advance clinical practice). Applicants should preferably have some experience in analytical chemistry techniques (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry), cellular and organ level cardiovascular methods, electrophysiology and molecular biology techniques. Applicants need to be able to work as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

For more information about the Pavlovic research group, the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research and Birmingham Cardiorenal group please see:

http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/cardiovascular-sciences/pavlovic-davor.aspx

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/metabolism-systems/taylor-angela

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering email/letter for consideration to Dr Davor Pavlovic (d.pavlovic@bham.ac.uk).

Applicants will need to submit the following documentation during the application process.  

·        Detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;  

·        Covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities and why you wish to undertake a PhD in the team;  

·        Names and addresses of two referees;  

·        Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts written in English;  

·        Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.  

·        Evidence of scholarship application/funding or independent funding. 

Additional Information 

 University of Birmingham offers pre-sessional English Language courses through the Birmingham International Academy – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/bia/presessional/index.aspx 

 For additional information on postgraduate studying at University of Birmingham please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate  

 For additional information on research at the College of Medical and Dental Sciences please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/index.aspx  

 For additional information on research in the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences please click – https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/cardiovascular-sciences/index.aspx