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MRC NW-DMS DLA programme : A quantitative micro-MRI platform for validating vascularised cardiac organoids as non-animal models of heart disease

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
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Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
How to apply
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Overview

Cardiac organoids are three-dimensional constructs composed of cardiomyocytes, endothelial and fibroblasts. They provide a more physiologically relevant model of the beating heart than conventional cell culture systems and can be used to study cardiac development, function and disease. Current methods used for characterising and studying these organoids rely on invasive and destructive methods and often require viral transductions or labelling with fluorescent markers raising doubts about their validity as a true model reflecting the human heart. MRI on the other hand is completely non-invasive, is used in the clinic and does not require any extensive sample preparation or fluorescent agents.

About this opportunity

However, current MRI methods lack sensitivity for imaging organoids. This multidisciplinary project will develop cutting-edge microscopic MRI methods alongside new approaches for growing and vascularising cardiac organoids as non-animal models of heart disease. In this project, the student will: 1) image the microstructure of fixed organoids at ~15 µm resolution; 2) develop live, perfused-organoid MRI to track metabolism as organoids grow or respond to drugs; and 3) address a key limitation of current organoid models, namely the lack of physiological vascularisation, by using the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), up to day 14 of development, to non-invasively image how organoids integrate with a host vasculature.

Novelty: The project will use cutting edge novel MRI data acquisition and processing methods to establish microscopic MRI as a non-invasive method to evaluate cardiac organoids. Compared to existing imaging methods for studying organoids, this will avoid the need for viral transduction, contrast agents or antibodies, and will deliver quantitative structural and metabolic readouts unavailable from other organoid imaging methods, directly supporting the MRC’s ambition to replace animal use with validated non-animal models.

Training: the primary supervisor will train the student in quantitative MRI, software and image-processing development; the second and third supervisor in cardiac biology, organoid culture, histology and immunohistochemistry. The student will gain complementary skills in microscopic imaging and cardiovascular biology, alongside scientific writing, presentation, biomedical statistics and data-science practice (FAIR data principles), preparing them for an independent translational research career.

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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. Research experience in in vivo imaging and or cell culture 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.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Supervisory Team:

    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.

  2. 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 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 27th 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

    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.

  3. 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.

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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.

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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.

Liverpool NW-DMS team
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