MPhil Studentship in Neuroscience

Investing in excellence: studentship opportunities

The University of Derby has an opportunity for a full-time postgraduate research studentships in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences area of research in the College of Science and Engineering (SE).

The successful applicant will receive a maintenance stipend (based on the minimum stipend defined by UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26) and home MPhil/PhD tuition fees (£5,006 - subject to amendment) only up to the target submission date.

Only home students are eligible to apply for this studentship.

Please note: ensure you submit all documents required at the point of application, namely: degree certificates and full transcripts, CV, personal statement, photo ID. Academic references must also be in place by the end of June.

The intended intake period is June 2026.

The successful applicant will be expected to complete their MPhil within 1 year on the MPhil route, contribute to the College REF submission and get involved in the wider research activities of the College.

Applicants will become part of a friendly and welcoming team and will be supported and managed by their supervisors.

The vacancy details are as follows:

Project description

Irregular and rapid heartbeat can lead to heart failure, blood clots and stroke, affecting millions of people worldwide. Recent evidence suggests a link between atrial fibrillation (rapid and abnormal heart rhythm) and an increased risk of developing stroke and dementia, most likely due to a disrupted blood-brain barrier (https://doi.org/10.1098/rsob.200396) The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the physiological barrier that protects the brain from blood-borne toxins and pathogens, and regulates molecular traffic between the blood and the brain (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2009.07.030). Maintaining normal blood flow is essential for brain endothelial function, including maintaining barrier integrity. Therefore, the aim of this project is to investigate the underlying mechanisms of BBB dysfunction during atrial fibrillation.

We are seeking applications from individuals who have completed a BSc (honours) degree in Neuroscience/Biomedical Science/Physiology or a related subject. Applicants are required to have a first class or second-class upper honours degree. An MSc in a related subject would be an advantage. You will possess strong written and oral communication skills along with excellent organisational skills. Applicants should also have strong work ethics and teamwork skills. Cell culture experience is desirable. Out of hours and weekend work maybe required due to the nature of the project. There's scope to continue this project to a PhD (subject to funding).

Purpose/objectives 

The main objective of this MPhil studentship is to validate a flow-based human BBB model to study BBB disruption in atrial fibrillation, and study the effects of abnormal blood flow on the BBB.

The student will use an advanced cell culture model of the BBB, and gain experience in a variety of cellular and molecular assays, and advanced microscopy.

Potential project impact

Findings from this study will help us understand in more detail how the BBB is damaged during atrial fibrillation. The study will demonstrate the importance of protecting the BBB to reduce the risk of developing stroke and dementia in atrial fibrillation patients.

Principal accountabilities and responsibilities

To undertake the experiments under the supervision and guidance of Dr Patabendige.

Collect and analyse data, and present the findings at lab meetings, internal seminars, and national and international conferences as agreed with the supervisors.

Organise and prioritise work effectively, demonstrating flexibility and reliability to meet required deadlines.

To work on own initiative, independently as well as part of a team.

Perform a comprehensive literature review, and contribute to writing and preparing publications.

To apply

Please review our entry requirements before submitting your application and check out the 'Getting Started' section below.

Completed applications should be submitted via our online application system quoting funding reference: CO_S&E_Neuroscience_25-26

Apply online

Closing dates for applications: Midday, Tuesday 19 May 2026.

(Please note: we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close before 19 May 2026 if a high volume of applications is received.)

Interviews: 5 June 2026.

If you have not been invited for an interview by the interview date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

For other enquiries which are subject-specific please contact:

A/Prof Adjanie Patabendige - a.patabendige@derby.ac.uk

Prof Naveed Khan - n.khan2@derby.ac.uk

Getting started

Before you begin your application, make sure you have:

Studentship funding reference code

This is provided on the individual studentship advert and must be specified in your application. 

Personal statement

A 500-word personal statement outlining your suitability for the studentship project. This is a mandatory requirement and you must upload it into your application. You should include your reasons for applying for the studentship, your experience in the field, how you feel you would benefit from studying and relevant information about your previous studies.

Your CV

A CV outlining your academic and professional experience.

Qualifications

Your qualification details including grades and dates taken. You will have the opportunity to upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates and transcripts in the application. If you have no formal qualifications, you can also state this in your application.

Passport/birth certificate

A scanned copy of your passport or full birth certificate. This will help us verify your application to study with us. International applicants can provide a copy of their passport only for visa assessment purposes, and their current visa if residing within the UK.

Academic references

Two signed academic references. This is optional at application stage but highly encouraged. If successful in your application, two academic references will be a mandatory requirement of admission. The references should be in written format, signed and dated from either a supervisor or tutor from your most recent studies.