The Cayuso Lab at the University of Portsmouth is recruiting a fully funded PhD student to investigate the mechanisms of CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders using zebrafish models. This three-year project, starting in October 2026, will employ CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, fluorescence imaging, and molecular and cellular analyses to generate and characterise zebrafish models for CASK-associated disorders. The research aims to uncover how loss of CASK affects brain development, neuronal survival, and tissue organisation, with a focus on understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH). The student will receive comprehensive training in zebrafish genetics, neurodevelopmental biology, advanced imaging, and quantitative data analysis, and will work within a collaborative team in the Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare. The project is supervised by Dr Jordi Cayuso and Professor Matt Guille. Applicants must have a strong academic background in Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline, and meet English language requirements. The position is fully funded for UK/EU and international students, covering tuition fees, a UKRI-rate stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), and project costs (£1,500 p.a.), but does not cover visa or health surcharge fees. Applications close on 16 January 2026. Interested candidates should apply online, quoting project code MPB50700126, and may contact Dr Jordi Cayuso for project-specific questions.