PhD Studentship: Cross-species modelling of rare coding variants associated with schizophrenia

The University of Exeter invites applications for a four-year MRC-funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme, starting in October 2027. This research project focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of schizophrenia by examining the functional impacts of rare coding variants using zebrafish models, comparative mouse models, and human post-mortem brain tissue. The successful candidate will join the Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences to conduct interdisciplinary research aiming to inform the development of novel therapeutics. Applicants are expected to engage fully in doctoral training, experimental work, and collaborative activities across the GW4 partnership.

• Design and execute cross-species experimental studies investigating rare coding variants associated with schizophrenia.
• Utilize zebrafish models to analyze the functional consequences of specific genetic mutations on protein products.
• Compare phenotypic and molecular findings from zebrafish models with equivalent mouse models and human post-mortem brain tissue.
• Analyze complex biological datasets and integrate findings to contribute to therapeutic target discovery.
• Participate in doctoral training activities, seminars, and cohort-building events organized by the GW4 BioMed3 programme.
• Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentation at academic conferences.