Cardiff University
1 week ago
PhD in Convergent Striatal Neuron Mechanisms Across Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Disorders Cardiff University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Full funding availableDeadline
Sep 1, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Cardiff University

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About this position
PhD opportunity at Cardiff University on convergent striatal neuron mechanisms across neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay and bipolar disorder.
The project asks whether diverse genetic risk factors converge on the same brain cell type, the medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the striatum. The work combines psychiatric genetics, single-cell genomics, gene-set enrichment, cohort-based phenotype analysis, and experimental validation in human stem cell-derived striatal neurons.
Students will curate risk genes across disorders, test enrichment in striatal MSNs and progenitors using single-cell transcriptomic datasets and human brain atlases, and build a cross-disorder map of convergent MSN risk. They will also examine whether these signatures predict motor, cognitive and reward-related traits in large cohorts including UK Biobank.
For experimental validation, the student will use CRISPR interference and activation (CRISPRi/a) in human stem cell-derived striatal neurons to test two to three top candidate genes. The project offers training in reproducible computational pipelines, human stem cell work, and quantitative neuronal readouts.
Supervision is by Dr Marija Fjodorova and Dr Elliott Rees at Cardiff University, within a strong environment for psychiatric genetics and translational neuroscience.
Funding: competition funded PhD project, open only to China Scholarship Council (CSC) applicants.
Entry requirements: Upper Second Class Honours degree, Master's degree, or equivalent in a relevant subject; quantitative aptitude and interest in psychiatric genetics, genomics or computational biology are preferred.
How to apply: Apply via Cardiff University’s online application service. Select Doctor of Philosophy, Full Time, and October 2027 as the start date. Submit a CV, supporting statement, transcripts/certificates, proof of English language if applicable, and two references.
Funding details
Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.
How to apply
Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.
More information can be found here
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