Apply by Monday, April 13, 2026
Link: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/treating-artery-disease-by-blocking-harmful-messages-sent-between-cells/?p195013
About the Project
This project is one of 21 four year PhD Studentships funded by Medical Research Scotland (MRS) (https://www.medicalresearchscotland.org.uk) to be delivered jointly by the named University and External Partner Organisation (EPO). The Studentship will provide first-class academic, and additional training provided by the EPO, needed to equip the successful candidate for a science career in an increasingly competitive market.
“Treating artery disease by blocking harmful messages sent between cells” to be delivered by the University of Aberdeen [Supervisors: Dr Nimesh Mody, Professor Mirela Delibegovic (both School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen) and Dr Naveed Akbar (Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford)] and Vesiculab Ltd (www.vesiculab.com) [External Partner Organisation supervisor: Dr Dimitri Aubert].
Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels, is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. Recent research shows that tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by unhealthy cells, can carry harmful molecules that worsen this disease. These EVs are produced when lipotoxic pathways increase in the liver, especially in response to unhealthy diets or inflammation. This leads to higher levels of lipotoxicity and insulin resistance linked to both liver and heart disease. Our previous work and other studies have shown that blocking this pathway could reduce disease risk. This project aims to test whether turning off specific genes in liver cells using a targeted therapy, can decrease lipotoxic levels of these harmful molecules and EVs, and thereby slow down processes linked to atherosclerosis in disease models. You will study how these isolated EVs affect other cells involved in blood vessel health and inflammation. Specifically, you will determine the role of EV-mediated communication to the increased buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels in functional in vivo and cellular assays. By understanding and blocking this harmful cell-to-cell communication, our research could lead to new treatments for atherosclerosis and related conditions, improving heart and liver health for many people. In addition, you will gain hands-on experience with the industrial collaborator since the proposed project aligns closely with their strategic and commercial objectives by advancing the applications and development of our solutions for EV production, isolation, and sample preparation.
ENQUIRIES:
Enquiries should be sent by email to: smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk
APPLICATIONS:
Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a first class UK honours degree or a 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK, in a relevant subject. It would be desireable for the candidate to have experience in cell culture and isolation and characterisation of extracellular vesicles.
We welcome applications from those returning from a career break, industry, or other roles, and exceptions can be made where applicants demonstrate excellence through alternative means, including performance in masters courses, professional placements, internships, or employment.
Applications should be sent by email to:
Your application should be a single email with the subject line: “Nimesh Mody MRS Scotland – [Your Name]” and include only these documents:
• A cover letter addressed to the supervisor of the project you are applying for indicating why you are interested in the studentship and what qualities you can bring to the Studentship.
• An up-to-date CV detailing your academic qualifications, work, and any other relevant experience (the names and contact details (including email addresses) of at least two academic referees).
• Clear copies of your degree certificates and transcripts (if available).
Important Notes: No research proposal is required. Please do not include any additional documents (e.g., high school certificates, conference papers/attendance certificates, dissertations). Please note, your application may be shared with the funders of this PhD Studentship, Medical Research Scotland and Vesiculab Ltd. Interviews are expected to take place 3-4 weeks after the closing date for applications.
It is anticipated that the PhD Studentship will start 5 October 2026.
Funding Notes
PhD Studentship provides: an annual tax-free stipend of £21,416, increasing to £21,991 over the four years; tuition fees at home UK rates only; consumables; and generous travel allowance. International fees are not covered. International students applying for the Studentship must provide evidence by the date of interview that they are able to finance the fee top-up required to the international fee level.
References
Aberdeen Cardiovascular & Diabetes Centre https://www.abdn.ac.uk/acdc/
Dr. Nimesh Mody https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/n.mody
Mahmood, S., (2025) https://doi.org/10.1113/EP092535
Oliver, H., (2023) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04598-2
Thompson, D., (2023) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-30759-w
Thompson D, (2017) https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20171066.