The University of Portsmouth is offering a fully funded PhD position in the Cayuso Lab at the Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare (ILSH), focusing on CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders. The project aims to generate and analyse zebrafish models of CASK disorders using advanced CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, fluorescence imaging, and molecular and cellular approaches. The research will investigate how CASK loss affects brain development and neuronal survival, contributing to the understanding of microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH), a rare disorder caused by CASK gene variations. Supervised by Dr Jordi Cayuso and Professor Matt Guille, the student will receive comprehensive training in zebrafish genetics, neurodevelopmental biology, and quantitative image analysis. The project will combine genetic, cellular, and developmental analyses to uncover mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders, focusing on neural and craniofacial defects, neuronal apoptosis, and glial cell function. Collaboration opportunities exist with groups specialising in neural repair, neuroinflammation, and disease modelling, as well as interactions with charities and patient groups. Applicants should have a strong background in Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Genetics, or related disciplines, with a good undergraduate or Master’s degree. Essential skills include interest in neurodevelopmental disorders, cell biology, genetics, organisational ability, teamwork, and willingness to work with zebrafish. Desirable skills include molecular biology techniques, microscopy, image analysis, statistical analysis, and communication skills. English proficiency at IELTS 6.5 (no component below 6.0) is required. The position is fully funded for UK/EU and international students, covering tuition fees for three years, a UKRI-rate stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), and £1,500 per annum for project costs. Visa and immigration health surcharge costs are not covered. The application deadline is 16 January 2026, with the project commencing in October 2026. Interested candidates should apply online, quoting project code MPB50700126, and prepare all required documents. For project-specific queries, contact Dr Jordi Cayuso by email. This opportunity is ideal for motivated candidates interested in developmental biology, neuroscience, and disease modelling, offering advanced research training and the chance to contribute to impactful research in neurodevelopmental disorders.

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.

The Cayuso Lab at the University of Portsmouth is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD position starting in October 2026 to investigate the mechanisms of CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders using zebrafish models. The project will employ CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, fluorescence imaging, and molecular and cellular analyses to generate and characterize zebrafish models for CASK-associated disorders. The research aims to uncover how loss of CASK affects brain development, neuronal survival, and tissue organization, with a focus on understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying CASK-related disorders such as 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 the Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare. The project is supervised by Dr Jordi Cayuso and Professor Matt Guille, and offers opportunities for collaboration with researchers specializing in neural repair, neuroinflammation, and disease modelling. The position is open to candidates with a strong background in biomedical science, neuroscience, developmental biology, genetics, or related fields, and who are motivated to work with zebrafish as a model organism. The funding covers tuition fees, a UKRI-aligned stipend, and project costs, but does not cover visa or immigration health surcharge fees. Applications close on 16 January 2026. Interested candidates should apply online, quoting the project code, and may contact Dr Jordi Cayuso for project-specific questions before applying.