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University of Bristol

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Funded PhD in Mapping the Biology of Complex Brain Disorders and Identifying Drug Targets University of Bristol in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Pharmacology

Funding

Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Covers UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). International candidates are fully funded for the tuition fee difference but must cover their own visa, healthcare surcharge, and moving costs. Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available.

Deadline

Oct 26, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Bristol

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Keywords

Pharmacology
Computer Science
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Single-cell Analysis
Neuropsychology
Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Genetic
Genomic
Statistics
Bioinformatic

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About this position

Funded PhD opportunity at the University of Bristol in the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, supervised by Dr Daniel D'Andrea.

This project focuses on the biology of complex brain disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease, with an emphasis on uncovering molecular pathways and identifying potential drug targets. The research combines genetics, genomics, human genetics, neuroscience, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering, with a strong computational and bioinformatic component.

The PhD student will analyse molecular neuroscience data, especially single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq), and apply statistical genetics, common/rare variant enrichment tests, and Gene Ontology analyses to identify disrupted brain regions, cell types, and molecular processes. The project also includes pipeline development for QC, processing, and analysis of literature-derived scRNA-seq datasets, plus integration of disease-genetic and functional data for target prioritisation.

Training will include next-generation sequencing data processing, statistical genetics, and bioinformatic techniques. The student will initially focus on schizophrenia, then may steer the project toward cross-disorder analysis, specific cell types such as glia or blood-brain barrier, or neurodevelopmental cell types.

Funding is provided through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. It covers UK tuition fees and a stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27), with additional research training/support funding of up to £5,000 per year. International applicants are eligible; the programme covers the tuition fee difference, but visa, healthcare surcharge, and relocation costs are not covered.

Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class degree in medical sciences, computing, mathematics, or the physical sciences. A lower second-class degree may be considered with a relevant master’s degree. English language requirements of the host university must be met by the start date.

To apply, register your interest via the FindAPhD listing. For informal enquiries, contact [email protected].

Funding details

Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Covers UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). International candidates are fully funded for the tuition fee difference but must cover their own visa, healthcare surcharge, and moving costs. Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available.

What's required

Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in medical sciences, computing, mathematics or the physical sciences. A lower second-class degree is only considered if accompanied by a master's degree (at the University of Bath, at least Merit). Applicants should meet the English language requirements of the host university by the start of the programme. Relevant non-academic experience may also be considered.

How to apply

Register your interest for the project through the FindAPhD page. The university will respond directly to your enquiry. For informal questions, email [email protected].

More information can be found here

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