The University of Exeter's Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is offering a 3-year funded PhD position in Neuroscience, focusing on subcortical brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders. This project is ideal for candidates interested in brain development, the origin of cell-type diversity, and the mechanisms underlying sensory processing and neurodevelopmental disorders. The research will utilize state-of-the-art single-nuclei and spatial transcriptomics approaches, combined with bioinformatics analyses, to map the transcriptomic landscape of the developing human dorsal midbrain. The project aims to uncover how diverse cell types emerge during critical periods of brain development and to identify molecular mechanisms that may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences and be based in the Hatherly Building at the University of Exeter. The project is supervised by Dr Giselle Cheung Johnson and Professor Jonathan Mill, both of whom are leading researchers in the field. Applicants should have a strong background in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics, with some experience in transcriptomic analyses or bioinformatics preferred but not required. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers.

For UK students, the studentship covers full tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 per year for three years. International students are eligible to apply, but the award only covers part of the international tuition fee (approximately £25,000) and does not include a stipend for living expenses. International applicants must be prepared to cover additional costs such as visa fees, health surcharge, and relocation expenses.

To apply, candidates must submit a CV, a letter of application outlining academic interests and research experience, transcripts, and two academic references. All documents must be in English, and certified translations are required for academic qualifications if necessary. The application deadline is February 28, 2026, and interviews will be held virtually or on campus in the week commencing March 30, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Exeter funding page or contact PGR Admissions at [email protected]. Reference number 5796 should be quoted in all correspondence.