About this role
PhD Studentship: Understanding how redox regulation processes facilitate platelet function
Platelets are tiny circulating blood cells which prevent bleeding from damaged blood vessels (haemostasis) by becoming active at the site of injury. In addition to this crucial role, platelets can be activated inappropriately (thrombosis) leading to heart attack or stroke.
Platelets release a range of redox-active substances which can bind to adjacent platelets and mediate chemical changes to surface receptors to modulate downstream cell signalling. The successful student will investigate how these platelet-released substances regulate platelet signalling pathways and how this can be targeted for the development of better therapies.
This project will equip the student with skills in a wide range of techniques including the use of specialist tests of platelet function, cell migration, cell and molecular biology assays, mass spectrometry and microscopy.
Supervisors: Dr Lisa Holbrook and Dr Ioannis Smyrnias
Entry requirements
Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information. Starting in October 2026. Later start dates may be possible, please contact Dr Lisa Holbrook once the deadline passes.
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.
Applicants should have a first-class or upper second-class honours or equivalents in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Physiology, or similar subjects.
Practical experience of cell biology, platelet biology or cell signalling is desirable but not essential.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted via the Veterinary Medicine and Science PhD programme page for January 2027 intake. You are required to upload your CV along with two names of academic referees and their email contact included in your application form, as well as a word document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for, the name of the relevant supervisor and October 2026 start.
After you submit your application, please email Dr Lisa Holbrook at first instance to let her know your application for October 2026 start was submitted, please ensure you include the full project name as well.
Funding
Fully and directly funded for this project only by Academy of Medical Sciences and University of Surrey (FHMS). UKRI Standard Stipend £21,805 for 2026-27.
Application deadline
2 August 2026
Enquiries
Contact Dr Lisa Holbrook
Ref
PGR-2526-100