PhD Studentship - Cracking the Ribosome Code of Brain Development

Overview

This PhD project at the University of Exeter asks whether ribosomes carry a code that helps build the brain. Ribosomes are complex molecular structures with an active role in protein synthesis. During development, progenitor cells generate a diverse pool of neurons that go on to form adult brain circuits, yet the role of protein synthesis in this key process is still poorly understood.

Using zebrafish and mouse models, the student will compare ribosomes in progenitors and in newly born neurons, combining developmental neuroscience with structural biology imaging. The research aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms of brain development and give insight into processes disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders.

What you get

The project is one of up to 18 MRC-funded studentships offered through the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme, with a start date of October 2027. The studentships last four years. Funding covers UK tuition fees and a doctoral stipend matching the UK Research Council national minimum, which is 21,805 pounds per year for 2026/27 and is updated annually. Up to 5,000 pounds per year is also available for research training and support costs.

Who can apply

The studentships are open to UK and international students. This project competes for a place with projects across the whole MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award, in which 18 studentships are available across the partnership.

Key dates

The closing date is 21 October 2026, and the studentship begins in October 2027.