MSc & PhD training
Graduate projects address mechanistic questions in arrhythmia biology, inflammation, fibrosis, extracellular vesicles and cardiovascular disease modeling.
Applications are currently being accepted.
Opportunities
Train where mechanism meets translation.
The Cardiac Translational Research Laboratory provides a collaborative environment for trainees interested in cardiovascular biology, arrhythmias, extracellular vesicles and the development of new biological therapies.
Now recruiting MSc & PhD students
Current Opportunity
MSc & PhD students in cardiovascular science
We are currently recruiting prospective graduate students to undertake research in cardiac arrhythmias and translational cardiovascular medicine under the supervision of Dr. Darryl Davis.
Applications Open
Graduate training in atrial fibrillation & translational medicine
Projects focus on mechanisms and treatment of atrial fibrillation, with particular expertise in cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, extracellular vesicle biology and novel biologic therapies.
Apply by Email
Start Date
January 2027
Negotiable
Negotiable
Program
MSc or PhD
Cellular & Molecular Medicine
Cellular & Molecular Medicine
Location
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa, Canada
Commitment
Full-time graduate studies
On-site research
On-site research
Minimum MSc Stipend
$23,000 / year
Minimum PhD Stipend
$25,000 / year
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will continue until suitable candidates are identified.
Training Philosophy
Learn to ask important questions
We are interested in trainees who want to understand why cardiovascular disease occurs, how biological mechanisms create clinically important phenotypes and how those discoveries can ultimately be turned into better therapies.
Projects are designed around scientific questions rather than isolated techniques. Trainees are expected to understand the rationale behind their experiments, interpret results critically and participate actively in the intellectual life of the lab.
People who thrive in the lab
Are curious about mechanism, not just obtaining a result
Take ownership of their project and follow through
Value careful experimental design and reproducibility
Enjoy working collaboratively across disciplines
Want to connect basic science with clinically meaningful problems
Training Pathways
Opportunities at different stages
Honours, CO-OP & summer research
Undergraduate trainees work on defined projects integrated into active laboratory programs and gain experience in experimental cardiovascular research.
Availability depends on current projects and supervision capacity.Advanced translational research
Postdoctoral opportunities may span mechanistic biology, preclinical disease models, EV therapeutics and translational development depending on current projects and funding.
Inquiries from strong candidates are welcome.Cardiovascular research experience
Selected projects may suit medical students or clinical trainees interested in connecting disease mechanisms with clinically relevant cardiovascular questions.
Scope depends on available time and project fit.Research Experience
Work across the translational continuum
Graduate projects span molecular and cellular studies, human cardiac cell systems and preclinical models, with an emphasis on translating experimental findings toward clinical application.
01
Atrial biology
Inflammation, inflammasome signaling, fibroblast biology,
fibrosis and arrhythmogenic remodeling.
02
Extracellular vesicles
EV biology, therapeutic mechanisms, cellular responses
and biological activity.
03
Human systems
Primary cardiac cells and patient-specific experimental
systems for mechanistic studies.
04
Disease models
Preclinical cardiovascular models used to test mechanism
and therapeutic efficacy.
Graduate Applicants
What we are looking for
Strong candidates combine academic performance with curiosity, analytical thinking, clear communication and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
MSc applicants
BSc or equivalent in biomedical sciences, pharmacology,
physiology, biochemistry, biology, health sciences or
a related discipline
Strong academic performance
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PhD applicants
MSc or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or
life-science discipline
Strong academic and research performance
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Previous experience in experimental biomedical research
is strongly valued
Previous experience with cell culture, molecular biology, cardiovascular research, extracellular vesicles or related experimental techniques is considered an asset.
Application Process
Apply for graduate training
Applicants should explain their research interests, relevant experience and career goals, and describe why the Davis Lab's research program is a strong fit.
Applications should be sent to Dr. Charlotte René. Review begins immediately and will continue until suitable MSc and PhD candidates are identified.
Email Dr. René
Please submit:
Cover letter outlining research interests, relevant experience
and career goals
Curriculum vitae
Unofficial academic transcript(s)
Names and contact information for two references
Applications are submitted by email to Dr. Charlotte René.
Cardiac Translational Research Laboratory
Build science that moves toward patients.
We are currently seeking motivated MSc and PhD students who want to understand cardiovascular disease deeply and contribute to research connecting biological mechanism with therapeutic translation.
Apply Now