Current opportunities

We advertise a range of funded and self-funded postgraduate research opportunities throughout the year. 

The main enrolment periods for research scholarships are October and January. Some faculties also offer intakes in April and July.

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More information on how to apply for funded and self-funded opportunities

PhD studentships

  • Racially minoritised children’s lived experiences of the use of out of court disposals in the Youth Justice System - closing 18.03.24

    Funded PhD opportunity

    Summary

    Collaborating with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), this pioneering project seeks to understand the lived experiences of racially minoritised children subject to Out-of-Court Disposals (OOCDs) in the youth justice system (YJS).

    By innovatively combining quantitative, qualitative, and participatory research methodologies, this project will pioneer a blend of multiple fields of enquiry (criminology, sociology, and ethnicity studies) to investigate the perennial problem of the over-representation of racially minoritised children in the YJS.

    To establish, evidence and articulate the lived experiences of racially minoritised children’s experiences of OOCDs, the project seeks to explore the effectiveness of OOCDs in diverting racially minoritised children from the YJS; supporting children to articulate their lived experiences of OOCDs; and establishing the extent to which the YJS supports children to meaningfully participate in the decisions made about them.

    The project will offer GMCA a set of practical strategies for addressing the findings. This collaboration will give the researcher a unique opportunity to bridge between scholarly and professional practices in the field of Youth Justice.

    Aims and objectives

    The primary aim of the project is to address the significant gap in the academic and empirical understanding of the experiences of racially minoritised children subject to OOCDS in the YJS. The project will improve policy, practice, and service delivery across Greater Manchester.

    It will do this by:

    • providing an analysis of the effectiveness of OOCDs
    • supporting the participation (of racially minoritised children) in the development of evidence-based materials to improve their experiences of OOCDs
    • providing practical recommendations for addressing racial disparity and mitigating its consequences 
    Specific requirements of the project 

    Requirements include:

    • an informed knowledge of the YJS in England and Wales, especially racial disparities
    • basic knowledge and experience of quantitative analysis
    • experience of qualitative research methods, including participatory and/or creative approaches
    • experience of undertaking research and/or working with children
    • an interest in policy creation
    • the ability to carry out fieldwork across the Greater Manchester region
    • the interest and ability to undertake a three-month research placement with the research partner, GMCA (as per the requirements of the studentship)
    • a Disclosure and Barring Service check for the successful candidate

    We particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised backgrounds and those with lived experience.     

    Applications should include:

    • a personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) outlining:
      • why you are interested in this project
      • your motivations for postgraduate research
      • your research experience
      • the wider skills and experience you would bring to the project, including professional, voluntary or personal achievements
    • your CV
    • a sample of written work (eg a research article, chapter, or essay)
    Student eligibility

    Open to home and overseas students. 

    Fully funded PhD.

    Annual stipend provided: Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) £19,237 for 2024/25

    How to apply 

    Interested applicants should contact Professor Hannah Smithson, h.l.smithson@mmu.ac.uk for an informal discussion.

    To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a PhD in Sociology (or download the PGR application form).

    You should also complete the PGR thesis proposal form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have map to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

    If applying online, you must upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. Closing date 18 March 2024. Expected start date October 2024.

    Interviews will be held w/c 1 April 2024.

    Please quote the reference: ArtsHums-HS-2024-AHGMCA

Masters by research

We currently have no Masters by Research opportunities available. 

Opportunities accepting year-round applications

  • The influence of Indoxyl Sulfate on lipid metabolism and calcium handling in cultured cardiomyocytes, and its association with cardiac dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease patients

    Self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity

    Summary

    Determining the effect of Indoxyl Sulfate on lipid metabolism and calcium handling in cardiomyocytes, to understand its role in cardiac dysfunction found in Chronic Kidney Disease patients.

    Our research group is interested in Indoxyl Sulfate (IS), an uraemic toxin which increases due to impaired clearance in chronic kidney disease. IS has been implicated in cardiovascular dysfunction with disease progression, such as oxidative stress and hypertrophy, mediated by redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction.

    The heart has the greatest caloric needs, and whilst it can use a variety of energy substrates, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation accounts for the majority of ATP production, and 40–60% dependent on fatty acids (FA). Our hypothesis is that IS dysregulates FA oxidation and increases lipid accumulation in cardiomyocytes by altering redox balance, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

    You will acquire practical research experience, including growing and maintaining cardiomyocyte cell lines in vitro, determining changes in cell morphology, performing biochemical assays and staining methods to study lipid accumulation, and measuring ROS generation using fluorescent probes. You shall also determine changes in the mRNA abundance of the factors of lipogenesis, lipolysis, FA oxidation, and mitochondrial function using RT-PCR, and shall develop skills in data analysis and interpretation.

    The successful candidate will be based within the Centre for Bioscience Research Centre at Manchester Met.

    Aims and objectives

    To determine the influence of the uraemic toxin, indoxyl sulphate, on lipid metabolism and calcium handling in cultured cardiomyocytes, and whether this can be restored using the antioxidant, tetramethoxy-stilbene (TMS).

    1. To determine the time course of lipid accumulation in cultured cardiomyocytes treated with Indoxyl sulfate (IS), at physiologically relevant concentrations, using colorimetric assays and cell staining.
    2. To determine the influence of IS on the markers of fatty acid oxidation, lipogenesis, and lipolysis in cardiomyocytes in vitro, and the modulatory effect of TMS using qRT-PCR, fluorescence staining and biochemical assays.
    3. To identify the impact of IS on mitochondrial function, redox homeostasis, and calcium handling using qRT-PCR, immunostaining, and fluorometry.

    Specific requirements of the project

    Essential:

    • The successful applicant should have an interest in cardiac cellular physiology and chronic kidney disease and should hold a minimum of a 2:1 BSc degree in Biomedical Science or a relevant biological degree.

    Desirable experience, however training will also be provided:

    • Cell culture
    • Performing assays
    • Confocal microscopy
    • qRT-PCR

    Student eligibility 

    This self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity can be undertaken on a full- or part-time basis and is open to overseas or home applicants.

    How to apply

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr Natasha Hadgraft (n.hadgraft@mmu.ac.uk). To apply, please  complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-NH-2022-cardiac-dysfunction

  • Cytochrome P450, CYP1B1 enzyme inhibitors to prevent disease progression in chronic kidney disease patients

    Self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity

    Summary

    Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease events but the precise mechanisms leading to this remain unknown. One key feature in CKD is reduced capacity of the vessels to dilate due to increased levels of reactive oxygen species within the vessel wall and lining endothelial cells. Increased activity of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, CYP1B1, and generation of vasoconstrictor mediator 20 HETE, can contribute to oxidative stress. We have recently demonstrated that the potent antioxidant and CYP1B1 inhibitor, Tetramethoxystilbene (TMS) can restore dilator capacity in an ex vivo model of hypertension, via potentiation of nitric oxide (Zaabalawi et al 2019 https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/23/4360). Whether TMS can be vasculo-protective and hence prevent CKD progression is not known.

    This one-year project will allow the student to learn the skill of maintaining endothelial cells in culture and perform biochemical assays to determine the oxidative state of the cells and the mediators released. Additionally, skills in microdissection and physiological function measurements of isolated blood vessels will be gained. The student will be supervised by experts in the field and encouraged to communicate findings at conferences. They will be mentored to support their career progression and employment prospects.

    The successful candidate will be based within the Centre for Bioscience Research Centre at Manchester Met.

    Aims and objectives

    The project aims to determine the vasculo-protective effects of CYP1B1 enzyme inhibitors in the prevention of disease progression in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The objectives are to:

    1: determine the influence of CKD sera on endothelial cell viability and oxidative state, using cell culture and biochemical assays, in the presence or absence of the enzyme inhibitors.

    2:  determine the level of vasoactive mediators released by the endothelial cells after exposure to CKD sera, using biochemical analysis.

    3: determine the pharmacological influence of CKD serum derived mediators on vascular reactivity of isolated arteries, using pressure myography.

    Specific requirements of the project

    A minimum honours degree at first or upper second class level. Exposure to microdissection or cell culture is desirable but it’s not essential

    Student eligibility 

    This self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity is for one year (full-time) and is open to overseas or home applicants.

    How to apply

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr May Azzawi (m.azzawi@mmu.ac.uk). To apply, please  complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-MA-2022-enzyme-inhibitors

  • Healthy ageing and cardiovascular response to exercise

    Self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity

    Summary

    Ageing is associated with an attenuation in peak heartrate, exercise hyperaemia and reduction in overall exercise capacity. Several mechanistic reasons have been proposed for these changes which include but are not limited to altered neural control of cardiovascular system, altered production and sensing of vasoactive metabolites and changes to skeletal muscle profile. Nonetheless, several important mechanistic research questions remain unanswered. Using human models, this research project will utilise in-vivo and ex-vivo techniques to further investigate the relative influence of lifestyle, exercise type / duration, vasoactive metabolites on the age-associated changes to cardiovascular / neurovascular response to exercise.

    The successful candidate will be based within the Centre for Bioscience Research Centre at Manchester Met.

    Specific requirements of the project

    A highly dedicated, enthusiastic and well organised student with at least an upper second class honours degree in Human Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Sports Sciences or a related discipline is sought to undertake this research project.

    Students with a strong background and interest in cardiovascular and exercise physiology are encouraged to apply. Experience in some of the research techniques (Duplex Doppler Ultrasonography, venous blood sampling and biochemical analysis) and/or experience in participant recruitment studies is desirable but not essential.

    Further training in in-vivo and ex-vivo research techniques will be provided. This project will involve working with study participants so good social skills will be advantageous.

    Student eligibility 

    This self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity is for one year (full-time) and is open to overseas or home applicants.

    How to apply

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr Rehan Junejo (r.junejo@mmu.ac.uk). To apply, please  complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-RJ-2022-healthy-ageing-exercise

  • Investigating PDLIM5 function during hepatic stellate cell activation

    Self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity 

    Summary 

    Liver fibrosis kills and is an increasing disease burden. Despite efforts to define pro-fibrotic processes there are still no approved anti-fibrotic therapies for liver fibrosis. Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs) are well established as the cellular drivers of liver fibrosis. In response to inflammatory and mechanical cues they drastically alter their phenotype to become proliferative, migratory, and contractile myofibroblasts. A key characteristic is secretion of fibrillar collagen which is the main component of the fibrotic scar. 

    Mechano-signalling: Mechanical cues can promote HSC activation. As fibrosis progresses the liver’s mechanical properties change, and tissue stiffness increases. It has been shown that mechano-signalling can occur very early in disease and is an important driver of HSC activation. However, it is not well understood how external mechanical cues are able to drive fibrosis. 

    PDLIM5 (PDZ And LIM Domain Protein 5) is thought to function as a cytoskeleton associated signalling scaffold or platform, where regulatory enzymes and their substrates are brought together in response to external mechanical cues. This project will characterise and interrogate the proteins that interact with PDLIM5 in HSCs to identify novel therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis. 

    The successful candidate will be based within the Centre for Bioscience Research Centre at Manchester Met. 

    Project aims and objectives 

    Dr James Pritchett has previously shown that mechano-regulated activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) drives liver fibrosis in a mechanism involving Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1)1 2. It remains to be elucidated precisely how external mechanical cues are able to alter YAP1 activity in HSCs. It has recently been shown3 in a human colon epithelial cell line (Caco-2) that mechano-sensitive YAP1 activity can be regulated by interactions with PDZ and LIM Domain Protein 5 (PDLIM5). PDLIM5 in HSCs may function as a mechano-sensitive platform that is a site of interaction between nuclear factors and regulatory enzymes such as kinases. 

    Hypothesis: PDLIM5 is required for mechano-activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells. 

    Objectives: 

    1. Investigate PDLIM5 expression during HSC activation. 
    2. Generate inducible cell lines to interrogate PDLIM5 function. 
    3. Generate reporter cell lines to investigate the regulation of pro-fibrotic YAP1. 

    Outcomes: Stable cell lines for the interrogation of PDLIM5 function and assays of YAP1 activity. The student will develop advanced laboratory skills and contribute to publications describing: 

    1. The role of PDLIM5 in HSCs; and 
    2. The regulation of YAP1 activity during fibrosis.  

    This research project aligns with the strategic goals of the Centre for Bioscience and falls under the theme of Ageing and Lifelong Health, but also has links to the Cardiovascular theme. 

    References: 

    1. Athwal VS*, Pritchett J*, et al. EMBO Mol Med 2017 
    2. Martin K*, Pritchett J*, et al. Nat Commun 2016 
    3. Elbediwy A, et al. J Cell Sci 2018 

    Specific requirements of the project

    • Upper second, or first class, honours degree in Biomedical Science or related subject. 
    • Previous experience of working in a cell and molecular biology research laboratory. 
       

    Skills/techniques the ideal candidate will already have some experience or knowledge of: 

    • Mammalian cell culture 
    • RNA isolation and reverse transcription 
    • qPCR 
    • Western blot 
    • Immunofluorescence 
    • Transfections 
    • Cloning and vector prep 

    Student eligibility

    This self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity is open to overseas or home applicants. 

    How to apply

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr James Pritchett  (j.pritchett@mmu.ac.uk). To apply, please  complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.  

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-JP-2022-pdlim5-function 

  • Chemical degradation of Vacuolating Cytototoxin A (VacA) as a potential therapy for helicobacter pylori infection

    Self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity 

    Summary 

    Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) is a secretary protein of bacterial origin, responsible for many effects caused by Helicobacter pylori infections. It supports H. pylori colonisation in the gut and is associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcer and gastric adenocarcinoma. A potential therapeutic strategy against these effects would be the in-situ degradation of VacA during H. Pylori infection followed by antibiotic removal of the bacteria. Recent advances in the field of chemical degradation mean this strategy is now possible through the design of chemical proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that can hijack and rewire the activity of the ubiquitin proteasome system, activating degradation of the targeted protein.

    Although an important target for H. pylori there are currently no validated small molecule binders of the VacA protein. During this 1-year Masters by Research we will synthesise and validate novel binders of VacA and assess their ability to be used as leads for PROTAC design.  

    This exciting new project will be highly collaborative working between the Department of Chemistry and the Centre for Bioscience where you will work alongside a dynamic network of PhD and postgraduate students. The project will be jointly supervised by Dr Andrew Lewis, Dr Mareike Posner and Dr Vittorio Caprio.

    The successful candidate will be based within the Centre for Bioscience Research Centre at Manchester Met. 

    Project aims and objectives

    The primary objective of the project is to synthesise and test small molecule binders of VacA. Specifically you will utilise organic synthetic chemistry and small molecule characterisation to synthesise novel VacA binders. You will in addition have the opportunity to work in the newly established protein purification facility at MMU to gain skills in protein expression and purification and assay development.

    Specific requirements of the project 

    We are seeking a BSc (Hons) student with a 2.1 or higher degree in organic chemistry

    Candidates should have a keen interest in organic synthesis and research at the interface between chemistry and biology. This is a great opportunity for a synthetic organic chemist looking to develop skills in assay design and the testing of biologically active small molecule compounds.

    Student eligibility  

    This self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity is open to overseas or home applicants. 

    How to apply 

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr Andrew Lewis   (andrew.lewis@mmu.ac.uk). To apply, please  complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.  

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-AL-2022-chemical-degradation-vaca 

  • Studying HACE1 protein interactions using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC)

    Self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity 

    Summary 

    The E3 ubiquitin ligase HACE1 helps maintain cellular health and is a known tumour suppressor.  Its interaction with the autophagy receptors p62 and optineurin activates autophagic flux, which protects cardiac cells under haemodynamic stress. This makes HACE1-p62-optineurin interaction a potential therapeutic target to treat heart failure. The candidate will analyse HACE1 protein interactions in mammalian cells using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), a technique to visualise and study protein-protein interactions. The data from this analysis will contribute to our understanding of HACE1 protein interactions and help evaluate their potential as therapeutic targets.

    The applicant will get training and experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, tissue culture and confocal microscopy. Using molecular cloning techniques, the applicant will generate BiFC constructs to express HACE1 and key interactions partners in mammalian cells. They will analyse protein expression of constructs using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and super-resolution confocal microscopy in the state-of-the-art facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University.

    The successful candidate will be based within the Centre for Bioscience Research Centre at Manchester Met. 

    Project aims and objectives 

    The overall aim of this project is to establish bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to study HACE1 protein interactions in mammalian cells. To achieve this aim, the project has the following objectives:

    Objective 1: Generation of BiFC expression vectors. The applicant will use molecular cloning techniques to generate BiFC expression vectors containing HACE1 and its known interactions partners (p62, optineurin).

    Objective 2: Expression of BiFC-protein constructs in mammalian cells. Using tissue culture techniques, the applicant will express BiFC constructs generated in objective 1 in mammalian cells (e.g., HEK293, cardiac cell line). They will carry out optimisation of protein expression levels using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting and confocal microscopy.

    Objective 3: BiFC analysis of HACE1 protein interactions. Having optimised protein expression levels in objective 2, the applicant will use BiFC analysis using super-resolution confocal microscopy to study HACE1 interaction with p62 and optineurin (including live cell imaging). The applicant will analyse the data using the dedicated microscopy software.

    Specific requirements of the project 

    The student should hold a BSc (minimum 2.1) in the Life Sciences with experiences/skills/knowledge in biology, biochemistry, molecular cell biology desirable. International students must demonstrate a sufficiently high standard of English language ability (IELTS 6.5) and NARIC equivalency to a 2.1 honours degree in the UK.

    Student eligibility  

    This self-funded Master’s by Research opportunity on a full-time basis and is open to overseas or home applicants. 

    How to apply 

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr Mareike Posner (m.posner@mmu.ac.uk). To apply, please  complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.  

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-MP-2022-hace1-protein

  • Using Mathematical Modelling and Artificial Intelligence to understand the underlying Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Coexistent Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure

    Self-funded PhD opportunity

    Summary

    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and has an increase in incidence and prevalence with each decade of adult life. Over 6 million people in Europe suffer from AF.  It is responsible for increased risk of death, stroke, thromboembolic complications, tachyarrhythmic cardiomyopathy and the development of heart failure (HF).  HF is also a major public health problem that affects over 25 million patients worldwide. It causes morbidity, death, and health-care expenditure globally and despite major advances in pharmacotherapy, our understanding of its underlying disease mechanisms from epidemiological, clinical, pathophysiological, molecular, and genetic standpoints remains incomplete. HF and AF frequently coexist. AF represents the most common arrhythmia of HF patients (approximately 13% of patients in the age range 35 to 64; and 21% of patients aged 65 years or older). On the other hand, HF is a major promoter of AF, increasing the risk of developing AF by approximately five-fold.

    The overarching aim is to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms of coexistent AF and HF, and to use biophysically detailed models predictively to explore potential therapeutic strategies.

    Aims and objectives

    The mechanism(s) underlying the genesis of AF in HF patients and HF in AF patients remains unclear. This project proposes to investigate and elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of this duality and potential therapeutic strategies. This will be done by developing novel AI-enabled electromechanical (as opposed to the usual electrophysiology only) cellular, tissue and organ models for these conditions.

    Specific requirements of the project

    • A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in a quantitative discipline such as engineering, physics, computer science or mathematics.
    • A good mathematical background and programming skills in at least one of C/C++, Rust, Julia or Python.
    • Experience of numerical methods and machine learning will be beneficial.
    • A keen interest in high-impact research work at the interface of physics, engineering, computer science and medicine.

    Student eligibility 

    Home and overseas students can apply for this self-funded position.

    How to apply

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr Ismail Adeniran (i.adeniran@mmu.ac.uk) or Professor Hans Degens (h.degens@mmu.ac.uk). Apply online for a Full-time PhD in Computing and Digital Technology or complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. Accepting year-round applications.

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-IA-2022-pathophysiological-mechanisms

  • Developing Real Time Technique for Breast Ultrasound Lesion Detection and Recognition

    Self-funded PhD opportunity

    Summary

    This proposal will develop algorithms and software to improve ultrasound breast lesion detection and recognition. This will be achieved using computer vision to build up a real-time scanning system, alerting the user of the appearance and type of suspicious lesions. The research will improve state-of-the-art methods by providing the location of the lesion, 3D lesions structure and recognition of the lesion.

    This proposal is novel as it aims to overcome the problem of inconsistency in the human operator using real-time ultrasound scanning. With the involvement of clinical and commercial partners, we will adopt the user-centred design for real-life usage. We will conduct clinical testing during the lifetime of the project. A low cost, targeted, non-invasive ultrasound breast lesion detection system would have substantial health benefits. This would inevitably result in great long-term societal and economic benefits due to the improved quality of life and health of women in an ageing population.

    This improved breast ultrasound diagnostic tool will ensure that healthcare professionals can provide a higher level of care for all patients with breast cancer risks, identifying early signs of breast cancer and referring on to other relevant clinicians.

    Aims and objectives

    The current performance of computer vision research in breast ultrasound imaging has a number of limitations, including dependence on the human operator, the lack of standardised datasets and algorithms producing high false positive rates. A solution using real time processing methods to overcome these limitations is important and necessary. This proposal will greatly improve the research field by providing new datasets annotated by radiologists and new methods for real-time breast ultrasound lesion detection and recognition. The goal of this research is to provide fast and reliable tools for the early detection malignant lesions. The objectives are:

    • (Obj1) Document user requirements and design the data collection tool
    • (Obj2) Acquire new ultrasound image sequence datasets with clinical reports, i.e., the location of the lesion and the type of the lesion
    • (Obj3) Design and optimise algorithms for real-time lesion detection and segmentation of ultrasound image sequences
    • (Obj4) Enhance the lesion recognition technique by using fusion of 2D and 3D features using machine learning algorithms
    • (Obj5) Validate the results with clinical decision and conduct clinical testing 

    Specific requirements of the project

    Candidates must have a strong motivation for research and excellent programming skills. Expertise of developing computer vision and machine learning algorithms would be desirable, with an interest in image analysis.

    Qualifications

    • A high grade undergraduate degree (first class or upper second) in Computer Science
    • An MSc level in Computer Science would be desirable for this post

    Skills

    • Knowledge of software development and programming
    • Good communication and writing skills
    • Developing image analysis/machine learning algorithms would be beneficial
    • Able to work as part of a joint academia and industry team

    Student eligibility 

    Home and overseas students can apply for this self-funded position.

    How to apply

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Professor Moi Hoon Yap (m.yap@mmu.ac.uk). Apply online for a Full-time PhD in Computing and Digital Technology or a Part-time PhD in Computing and Digital Technology. You can also complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. Accepting year-round applications.

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-MHY-2022-breast-ultrasound

  • A nonlinear potential flow model with viscous dissipation for wave resonance in offshore engineering

    Self-funded PhD opportunity

    Summary

    In recent years, due to the increasing energy demand and fast development of technology, huge and highly integrated marine systems for offshore drilling, production, storage, loading and offloading have been developed to achieve low cost and high efficiency to meet the market requirements. At the same time, the gradual depletion of traditional fossil fuels motivates the growth of new energy solutions in the ocean, which also requires the development of various types of marine structures for energy harvesting. However, reliably quantifying the risk associated with offshore operations remains a major challenge for the marine industry, especially in the design of complex offshore systems involving multiple floating bodies in close proximity when the water wave resonance occurs. In this project, the student can choose to work on any of the following four important aspects arising in the design of such complex marine systems to formulate the novelty of the project: nonlinear effect; extreme sea condition; resonance phenomenon and viscous dissipation. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to work in an excellent research group with a long record of accomplishment in delivering outstanding research in marine hydrodynamics and computational fluid dynamics.

    Aims and objectives

    This project aims at the development of an advanced nonlinear potential flow model in the time domain to study the hydrodynamic characteristics of water wave interaction with three-dimensional complex marine systems in extreme wave conditions. This numerical model can be an efficient and reliable tool to aid the design for the realistic ocean environment during marine operations, and create new understandings of the hydrodynamic performance of offshore engineering structures and ocean energy extracting devices.

    Specific requirements of the project

    The successful applicant is expected to have a good honours or master’s degree in mathematics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, naval architecture or a relevant discipline. Solid background in mathematics, experience with hydrodynamics, and good programming skills are beneficial.

    Student eligibility 

    Home and overseas students can apply for this self-funded position.

    How to apply

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr Wei Bai (w.bai@mmu.ac.uk). To apply, complete an online application form for either a Full-Time PhD in Mathematics or a Part-time PhD in Mathematics. You can also complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. Accepting year-round applications.

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-WB-2022-wave-resonance

  • The impact of regular fasting on gastrointestinal function and appetite

    Self-Funded Research Masters opportunity Summary

    Dietary and/or caloric restriction is known to be effective in weight loss and methods such as intermittent fasting are becoming increasingly popular amongst the general population. Research is also increasing on the effect of dietary strategies on appetite regulation and metabolic health. A number of gut-derived hormones that are involved in the regulation of appetite are also known to regulate gastrointestinal motility, and thus appear to be intrinsically linked. The effect of different dietary/caloric restriction methods on gastrointestinal function and food and energy intake is an important mechanistic consideration to their effectiveness.

    Aims and objectives

    The aim will be to investigate the effect of different dietary/caloric restriction strategies on gastrointestinal function and appetite regulation.

    Specific requirements of the project

    Applicants will have, or expect to gain, a BSc (Hons) degree (2.1 or above) in human physiology, nutrition, bioscience or another related discipline.

    The candidate should have excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills. The ability to work in a team, be flexible with working hours, and have self-motivation are also required.

    Experience in working with human participants within a laboratory, health or clinical setting is essential. Experience in dietary analysis and/or physical activity monitoring will be advantageous. Experience in biochemical analysis is also desirable, but training will be provided.

    Student eligibility 

    Home and overseas students can apply for this self-funded position.

    How to apply

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr Adora Yau (a.yau@mmu.ac.uk) or Dr Gethin Evans, (gethin.evans@mmu.ac.uk).

    To apply, complete an online application form for either a Full-Time or Part-time position.

    You can also complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement.

    Submit your application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. Accepting year-round applications.

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-AY-2022-gastrointestinal-function

  • Investigation into the role of PIM kinases in vascular calcification

    Self-funded Research Masters opportunity

    Summary

    Vascular calcification is associated with cardiovascular disease risk and significant morbidity and mortality within diabetes, involving activation of osteogenic regulators and transcription factors. PIM-1, a constitutively active serine/threonine kinase and member of the Pim kinase family, has recently been identified as a potential regulator of cardiovascular disease that is upregulated in vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) under conditions of hyperglycaemia. This cell and molecular biology focussed project will investigate the expression patterns of the three PIM kinase isoforms and the effect of pharmacological PIM kinase inhibitors on osteogenic differentiation using an already established vSMC model of vascular calcification.

    Aims and objectives

    Study Aim: To elucidate the role of Pim kinase in the development of vSMC calcification.

    Study objectives:

    • Establish the temporal expression changes in the PIM kinase isoforms following induction of vascular calcification in an in vitro vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) model.
    • Investigate the effect of PIM kinase inhibition on the progression of in vitro calcification.
    • Determine the specific molecular pathways by which PIM kinase signalling differentially regulates the process of SMC osteogenic differentiation.

    Specific requirements of the project

    Applicants should have a background in cellular and molecular biology with a broader interest in cardiovascular research. Experience of cell culture and gene and protein expression analysis is advantageous, but training will be provided by the supervisory team and other lab members.

    Student eligibility 

    Home and overseas students can apply for this self-funded position.

    How to apply

    For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the position, please contact Dr Ria Weston (a.weston@mmu.ac.uk) or Dr Amanda Unsworth (a.unsworth@mmu.ac.uk). To apply, complete an online application form for either a Full-Time PhD or a Part-time PhD.

    You can also complete the PGR application form (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/PGR-application-NEW-May-2020.docx), indicating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the personal statement. Submit your  application form by email to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk. Accepting year-round applications.

    Please quote the reference: SciEng-RW-2022-vascular-calcification