Supervisors: Professor Andrew Murray, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge Dr Ross Lindsay, Novo Nordisk
Funding: Fully funded PhD studentship (Home/UK tuition fees and stipend) supported by Novo Nordisk
Proposed Start date: 5 January 2027
Project Overview
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately one in three adults worldwide and is rapidly becoming the leading cause of chronic liver disease. Beyond its effects on the liver, MASLD substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic complications. Despite its growing prevalence, the cellular mechanisms that drive disease progression remain incompletely understood, and there remains a pressing need for new therapeutic approaches.
Mitochondria play a central role in cellular energy metabolism and are increasingly recognised as key determinants of metabolic health. Alterations in mitochondrial function contribute to hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation and disease progression in MASLD, making mitochondrial metabolism an exciting target for next-generation therapies. Recent advances in mitochondrial-targeted medicines have opened new opportunities to modify disease mechanisms rather than simply treat symptoms.
This PhD project will investigate how mitochondrial metabolism is altered during MASLD and evaluate novel mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic strategies to restore metabolic function. Working at the interface of basic science and translational medicine, the student will employ state-of-the-art experimental approaches to understand how mitochondrial pathways can be manipulated to improve metabolic health and inform the development of future therapies.
Research Training
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in a wide range of cutting-edge techniques, including:
- In vivo physiological and metabolic phenotyping in preclinical models
- Ex vivo analysis of tissue metabolism and mitochondrial function
- Advanced mitochondrial bioenergetic analysis using high-resolution respirometry and complementary approaches
- Metabolic phenotyping and analysis of mitochondrial function across multiple tissues
- Data analysis and interpretation using contemporary approaches in metabolic physiology
The project offers outstanding training in mitochondrial biology, metabolic disease and translational physiology, equipping the student with advanced experimental and analytical skills that are highly sought after in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry. The student will be encouraged to take increasing ownership of the project, contributing to experimental design, data interpretation and scientific communication.
An Industry-Academia Partnership
This studentship is jointly supervised by the University of Cambridge and Novo Nordisk, providing a unique opportunity to experience research in both academic and industrial environments. The student will benefit from close interaction with scientists at Novo Nordisk, gaining valuable insight into the discovery, validation and development of novel therapies for metabolic disease. Exposure to both sectors will provide an excellent foundation for a future career in academia, biotechnology or the pharmaceutical industry.
Throughout the PhD, the student will become part of an internationally recognised research community in metabolism and mitochondrial biology. There will be opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers, publish findings in high-impact international journals, and present their work at national and international scientific conferences. The project will therefore provide not only exceptional scientific training but also valuable opportunities to build a professional network and develop the communication skills essential for a successful research career.
This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to research addressing one of the world's most pressing metabolic health challenges while receiving world-class training in mitochondrial physiology, translational medicine and drug discovery through a unique partnership between the University of Cambridge and Novo Nordisk.
Candidate Profile
We welcome applications from highly motivated graduates with a strong background in physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical sciences or a related discipline. Applicants should have (or expect to achieve) a First or Upper Second-Class honours degree, or an equivalent qualification, and a keen interest in metabolism, mitochondrial biology and translational research. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about developing both experimental and analytical skills within a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
We welcome and encourage applications from people from groups that are under-represented in postgraduate study, as well as students who may have faced an educational or socio-economic disadvantage. If you love your subject, have an aptitude for study or research, and have gained, or are on course for, a good Upper Second class degree (or overseas equivalent, see https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/international-qualifications), we would very much like to hear from you. Further details about the University's commitment to widening participation in postgraduate study are available https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/widening-access.
Candidates wishing to discuss this opportunity further are encouraged to contact Prof. Murray ([email protected]) after 1 September 2026.
Full details of the University's entrance requirements and scholarships are specified on the following link: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/.
Funding
Full funding covering Maintenance stipend at £21,850 per annum and the University Composition Fee (at the Home rate) is provided for the studentship, with effect from 5 January 2027. The stipend is tax free and will be paid for 3.5 years, or until submission of thesis, whichever is earlier. The stipend will be reviewed annually.
Application Process
selecting the following course:
PhD in Physiology, Development & Neuroscience (Full-time)
Start Date: 5 January 2027
Project Supervisor: Professor Andrew Murray
Project Title: Mitochondrial Metabolism and Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Research Proposal: Please add the project overview information (listed above)
Please visit this link for full details of what your application should include - https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpdpdpdn/apply Please note there is a £20 application fee attached to using the Cambridge Postgraduate Application Portal.
Application Deadline
Completed applications (with ALL supporting documentation and references) to be submitted via the application portal by 23:59pm (midnight) UK time on 25 September 2026 at the latest. Interviews will be scheduled in October.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
