Publisher
source

The Francis Crick Institute

PhD in Development and Function of Neural Circuits Underlying Collective Behaviour The Francis Crick Institute in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biology

Funding

Funded PhD project. Successful applicants receive a non-taxable annual stipend of £27,715 plus payment of university tuition fees. Students of all nationalities are eligible to apply.

Deadline

Nov 2, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

The Francis Crick Institute

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Keywords

Biology
Optogenetics
Connectomics
Developmental Biology
Python Programming
Neuropsychology
Behavioral Neuroscience
Collective Behavior
Drosophila Melanogaster
Bioinformatic

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About this position

PhD opportunity at The Francis Crick Institute with Dr Michael Winding on the development and function of neural circuits underlying collective behaviour. The project focuses on how animals compare the costs and benefits of joining collective behaviour, using Drosophila melanogaster larvae as a model system.

The research combines neuroscience, developmental biology, behavioural biology, and bioinformatics. Possible directions include uncovering the circuit mechanisms driving collective digging in larvae, mapping how neurons are interconnected using connectomics, testing circuit hypotheses with behavioural assays, calcium imaging, optogenetics, and anatomical analysis, and studying how social experience shapes circuits during development using single-cell RNA-seq and expansion microscopy approaches such as LICONN.

The project is experimentally grounded and also involves computational analysis, so coding experience in Python is useful. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in neuroscience, development, or collective behaviour, and prior laboratory experience is expected. The post notes that specific experience with the techniques is not required, as training can be developed during the PhD.

This is a funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding includes a non-taxable annual stipend of £27,715 plus university tuition fees. The posting is for a 2027 Crick PhD project.

Location: London, United Kingdom.

Application: Use the project page to apply and answer the lab-specific question about your fit for the project.

Funding details

Funded PhD project. Successful applicants receive a non-taxable annual stipend of £27,715 plus payment of university tuition fees. Students of all nationalities are eligible to apply.

What's required

Strong interest in neuroscience, development, or collective behaviour. Prior laboratory experience is expected. Experience with coding, particularly Python, is valuable but not required. The candidate should be excited to test circuit hypotheses using behavioural assays, anatomical analysis, and functional imaging, and should be comfortable with computational analysis.

How to apply

Review the project details and answer the lab-specific question about how your past experiences and interests make you a good fit. Submit an application through the FindAPhD/Crick PhD application route linked from the posting.

More information can be found here

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