PhD Studentship: How Neurons Shape Astrocytes: Decoding Cell-to-Cell Communication in Brain Development

The GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme is offering up to 18 MRC funded studentships across a range of biomedical disciplines, with a start date of October 2027.

These four-year studentships provide funding for fees and stipend at the rate set by the UKRI, as well as other research training and support costs, and are available to UK and International students.

This project is in competition for place with the projects across the MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award studentships.  There are a total of 18 studentships available across the partnership.  

How do neurons instruct astrocytes to build the developing brain? This project explores how neuronal signals regulate astrocyte function and how this communication is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders. Using a unique combination of mouse models, primary astrocyte culture, transcriptomics, and advanced imaging, you will identify the molecular signals linking neuronal JAKMIP1 dysfunction to altered astrocyte behaviour. Training across the Universities of Exeter, Bristol and Cardiff will provide expertise in molecular neuroscience, glial biology, bioinformatics, and disease modelling. This interdisciplinary project offers an exciting opportunity to uncover fundamental mechanisms of brain development while developing highly transferable research skills.

These studentships are funded through GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme and consist of UK tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (£21, 805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated each year).

Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is also available.

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