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- Tasks: Explore the mysteries of brain development and disorders through cutting-edge research.
- Company: University of Exeter, a leading institution in health and life sciences.
- Benefits: Tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 pa and coverage of Home tuition fees.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking discoveries in neurodevelopment and contribute to vital research.
- Qualifications: Passion for developmental neuroscience and bioinformatics; academic merit required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic research environment.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
The University of Exeter’s Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences is inviting applications for a PhD studentship to commence on September 21st, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students, the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 pa for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in Hatherly Building in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences in Exeter.
Decoding the precise programme regulating neurodevelopment has been crucial to our understanding of brain disorders. A central question is how the brain generates its remarkable diversity of cell types in the right place at the right time to establish complex connections and functions. The dorsal midbrain, a subcortical brain region, is known to orchestrate the integration of sensory information and coordinate motor responses. Despite its importance, our understanding of its development and how it may be disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders is still largely unknown.
This funded PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to map and decode the transcriptomic landscape of the developing human dorsal midbrain. The successful candidate will use state-of-the-art single-nuclei and spatial transcriptomics approaches combined with bioinformatics analyses. The project will focus on the emergence of diverse cell types at critical points of brain development and identify molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. This studentship will allow the candidate to actively contribute to fundamental discoveries in the exciting field of neurodevelopment and related disorders, gain essential research skills, and explore important open questions in the field. We encourage candidates interested in developmental neuroscience and bioinformatics to apply.
The studentship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. However, please note the following:
- The award covers only part of the international tuition fee, approximately £25,000.
- It does not include a stipend for living expenses.
- International applicants will need to cover additional costs, including:
- Student visa fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK to undertake a PhD.
Subcortical brain development and disorders in Exeter employer: University of Exeter
Contact Detail:
University of Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subcortical brain development and disorders in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members at the University of Exeter. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to express why you're excited about subcortical brain development. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for questions about your research interests. Think about how they align with the project on neurodevelopmental disorders. We want to see that you’ve done your homework!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Subcortical brain development and disorders in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for developmental neuroscience and bioinformatics shine through. We want to see why you're excited about this PhD project and how it aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the project focus. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of neurodevelopment and related research techniques.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Explain why you’re the perfect fit for this studentship and how your background prepares you for the challenges ahead. Keep it engaging and concise!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you dive deep into the specifics of subcortical brain development and disorders. Familiarise yourself with recent research, especially around the dorsal midbrain and its role in neurodevelopment. This will not only show your passion but also your commitment to the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with techniques like single-nuclei and spatial transcriptomics. If you've worked on bioinformatics analyses before, prepare examples that highlight your skills. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can contribute to the exciting discoveries in this area.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the PhD project and the department. This could be about the methodologies used or the potential impact of the research. It shows you're genuinely interested and have thought critically about the position.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you'll fit into their team. Share your enthusiasm for developmental neuroscience and how it aligns with your career goals.
