University of Bristol
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Funded PhD in Molecular Basis of CASK Mutations and Neural Development University of Bristol in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Funded through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Funding includes UK tuition fees, a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually), plus additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum.
Deadline
Oct 21, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Bristol

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About this position
Funded PhD project at the University of Bristol in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience on the molecular basis of CASK mutations and their role in neural development. This project sits at the intersection of neuroscience, neurodevelopmental disorders, structural biology, genetics, functional genomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence.
The project investigates how pathogenic variants in CASK affect protein structure, stability, interactions, and downstream neural phenotypes. The student will use AI-driven molecular modelling tools such as AlphaFold3, structural bioinformatics, and evolutionary analysis to prioritise variants for experimental testing. Experimental work includes introducing selected mutations into Drosophila models, assessing behaviour and neurological function, and using functional genomics to study gene expression and cellular pathways.
Supervision involves Dr Robin Corey, Prof J Hodge, Dr Amber Knapp-Wilson, and collaboration with Prof Ben Housden. The project offers training across computational and experimental research environments and aims to identify novel functional regions in CASK that may become therapeutic targets.
This is a funded PhD for students worldwide. Funding covers UK tuition fees, a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27), and up to £5,000 per year in additional research training and support funding.
Apply via the GW4 BioMed website. You may select up to two projects and submit one application per candidate. The deadline is 21 October 2026 at 5:00 pm. Shortlisted candidates are notified from 22 December 2026, interviews are held virtually on 26–27 January 2027, and the studentship starts on 1 October 2027.
Funding details
Funded through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Funding includes UK tuition fees, a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually), plus additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum.
What's required
Applicants should be interested in an interdisciplinary PhD combining artificial intelligence, structural biology, genetics, functional genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and quantitative data analysis. The project is suitable for students who want to work across computational and experimental environments and contribute to variant prioritisation and functional testing in Drosophila. No specific degree class, language test, or prior experience is explicitly stated in the post.
How to apply
Check the GW4 BioMed website for the list of projects and application instructions. Select up to two projects and submit one application per candidate. Complete the online application form for an offer of funding by 5:00 pm on 21 October 2026, then apply for an offer to study to the chosen institution if successful.
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