奥克兰大学、西交利物浦大学最新PhD奖学金项目信息!

本期为大家推荐奥克兰大学、西交利物浦大学2026最新奖学金项目介绍。

1、奥克兰大学

Sex-Specific Responses to Drug Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Personalised Treatment

University of Auckland | Auckland Bioengineering Institute

博导：Dr J Zhao

截止日期：全年可申

资助的博士项目（全球学生）

About the Project

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and a major contributor to stroke and heart failure. Despite its prevalence, current pharmacological therapies remain only moderately effective and are associated with significant side effects. Notably, male and female patients exhibit distinct responses to anti-arrhythmic drugs, yet most current treatments do not account for these sex-based differences.

This PhD project aims to investigate the mechanistic basis of sex-specific responses to drug therapy in AF, with a focus on calcium (Ca²⁺) handling, electrical remodelling, and structural differences in atrial tissue. Using a robust rabbit model of AF induced by rapid atrial pacing, we will evaluate how male and female hearts respond differently to anti-fibrotic and Ca²⁺-modulating drugs, such as pirfenidone and RyR2-targeting agents.

The project will combine in vivo and ex vivo drug testing, optical mapping of electrical activity, and confocal/super-resolution imaging to assess how pharmacological interventions influence atrial electrical properties and subcellular Ca²⁺ dynamics in a sex-specific manner. Structural remodelling—particularly changes in atrial tubular networks and expression of key ion channels and calcium-handling proteins—will be examined in detail.

This research will advance our understanding of how biological sex influences drug efficacy and mechanism of action in AF and will contribute to the development of more effective, personalised, and equitable treatment strategies for both men and women.

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute - breaking boundaries in bioengineering for more than 25 years

At the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), we apply engineering and technical innovation to advancing medical care, human capability, and understanding of human physiology. Our team of world-renowned researchers are working on everything from artificial intelligence avatars, to implantable devices, to digital models of the human body. Our focus on research excellence and commercialisation adds value to society and to the global economy.

Our research makes a real difference in the world. We’ve designed sensors to diagnose stomach disease without needing invasive surgery; developed a tiny wireless implantable device to measure brain pressure and save the lives of children with hydrocephalus; and we lead the world in building digital models of the human body which will enhance personalised medicine approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Join our team of researchers for a postgraduate degree and together we can make a difference. Our graduates are amongst the most employable in the world - many either continue their career in research, find employment with industry leaders such as Rocket Lab or Fisher & Paykel, or launch their own startup companies.

Our students come from over 50 different countries and a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Science.

2、西交利物浦大学

Impact of micro and nanoplastics on the toxicological and bioaccumulation effects on animals and its implication for human health

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University | School of Science

博导：Dr S Raju

截止日期： 全年可申

资助的博士项目（全球学生）

About the Project

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as harmful pollutants in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, posing significant threats to environmental and human health. These particles, derived from the degradation of larger plastics or industrial processes, accumulate in ecosystems and present toxicological risks due to their potential for bioaccumulation in organisms. Human exposure occurs through contaminated seafood, drinking water and food, raising concerns about long-term health impacts.

This PhD project will explore the toxicological and bioaccumulation effects of MPs and NPs using zebrafish as a model organism, alongside assessing their impact on human cell lines. By integrating in vivo and in vitro approaches, the research will unravel the molecular mechanisms driving MP/NP-induced toxicity. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of how these pollutants alone or in combination with other stressors affect aquatic life and human health. Ultimately, this work aims to inform strategies for mitigating plastic pollution and safeguarding biodiversity. This project will be supervised by Dr. Sekar Raju (XJTLU), Prof. Alan Kaluev (XJTLU), Dr. Weiwei Dai (XJTLU) and Dr. Malcom Horsburgh (UoL).

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a background in microbiology, molecular biology or toxicology to join this interdisciplinary project. The research will employ a range of conventional and advanced techniques, including histopathology and microscopy, cell culture, biochemical and immunoassays and microbial genomics. This position offers excellent training opportunities in cutting-edge methodologies and collaboration within an international research environment.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), please visit:

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/entry-requirements/

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/fees-and-scholarship

Supervisors:

• Principal supervisor: Dr. Sekar Raju (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Prof. Alan Kaluev (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Dr. Weiwei Dai (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Dr. Malcom Horsburgh (University of Liverpool, UoL)

Requirements:

A Master's degree with Merit and a Bachelor's degree with first-class or upper second-class honors are required for PhD admissions. Exceptional candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree may be considered on an individual basis in certain disciplines.

Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree:

The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

Funding:

The PhD studentship is available for three years subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers tuition fees for three years (currently equivalent to RMB 99,000 per annum). It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award. The scholarship holders are expected to conduct the majority of their research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China. However, they may apply for a short-term research visit to the University of Liverpool if the project requires it.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are advised to emailSekar.Raju@xjtlu.edu.cnthe following documents for initial review and assessment (please include the project title in the subject line).

• CV
• Two formal reference letters
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Certificates of English language qualifications (IELTS or equivalent)
• Full academic transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available

Contact:

Please email

Sekar.Raju@xjtlu.edu.cnwith a subject line of the PhD project title.

The principal supervisor’s profile is linked here:

https://scholar.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/persons/SekarRaju