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Cardiff University

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PhD in Astrocyte Biology and Molecular Neuroscience at Cardiff University Cardiff University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biology

Funding

Competition-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). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available. Open to UK and international applicants.

Deadline

Oct 21, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

Cardiff University

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Keywords

Biology
Electrophysiology
Neuropsychology
Drosophila Research
Medical Science
Neurodegenerative Disease
Transcriptomic
Molecular Neuroscience

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About this position

PhD opportunity in astrocyte biology and molecular neuroscience at Cardiff University

This funded PhD project, titled Silent Architects: Uncovering How Astrocytes Shape Brain Health, is based at Cardiff University, Cardiff School of Medicine, in the United Kingdom. The project investigates how astrocytes regulate brain function, including neuronal activity, metabolism, extracellular matrix organisation, and resilience to disease.

The research will focus on novel astrocyte-enriched genes and signalling pathways identified through transcriptomic analyses. The student will use Drosophila genetics, advanced imaging, and molecular neuroscience approaches to determine how these genes influence astrocyte function, neuronal physiology, and neurodegeneration.

The project sits within a collaborative environment involving Cardiff University, the GW4 network, and the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), offering multidisciplinary training and research support.

Eligibility: Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or an equivalent qualification from outside the UK. English language evidence is required: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each subskill, or an acceptable alternative.

Funding: The studentship is funded through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme and includes UK tuition fees plus a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per year is also available.

Application: Applicants should review the GW4 BioMed website for the full project list and instructions. You may select up to two projects and submit one application per candidate. Apply first for an offer of funding; shortlisted candidates will later need to apply for an offer to study at the chosen institution.

Deadline: 21 October 2026. Interviews are scheduled for 26–27 January 2027, with funding starting on 1 October 2027.

Funding details

Competition-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). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available. Open to UK and international applicants.

What's required

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or an equivalent qualification gained outside the UK. English language requirement: IELTS overall 6.5 with at least 5.5 in all subskills, or an acceptable alternative.

How to apply

Review the project list and application instructions on the GW4 BioMed website. Select up to two projects and submit one application per candidate. First apply for an 'offer of funding' through GW4 BioMed3; if shortlisted, you will later need to apply for an 'offer to study' at the chosen institution.

More information can be found here

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