Epigenomic: Mechanisms Underlying Hypertension and GLP-1 RA Efficacy

Summary

Hypertension remains one of the most significant global health challenges and a major contributor to preventable illness, mortality, and health inequality.

Closely linked with rising obesity rates, it places a substantial burden on Northern Ireland’s health system and economy through increased demand for chronic disease management and reduced workforce wellbeing.

Addressing hypertension aligns with the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) priorities to foster innovation in health and life sciences, promote productivity, and support a healthier population capable of contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Recent advances in obesity management therapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), have demonstrated potential to improve cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure.

However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood.

This project will investigate the epigenomic mechanisms that influence hypertension and examine how GLP-1 RA therapy may modulate these pathways.

Using biological samples and clinical data from individuals undergoing weight management interventions, the research will explore how genetic, environmental, and therapeutic factors interact to affect cardiovascular outcomes.

By generating new insights into the biological drivers of hypertension, this research directly supports the DfE’s 10X Economy vision and the Life and Health Sciences Sectoral Action Plan, which emphasise high-impact innovation, translational research, and the development of precision medicine capabilities in Northern Ireland.

The outcomes will contribute to the evidence base for public health policy, inform future treatment strategies, and support the wider Programme for Government aim of enabling people to live long, healthy, and active lives.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer, the project will help position Northern Ireland as a leader in health innovation, contributing both to improved wellbeing and to the sustainable growth of the regional life sciences economy.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period