Building Brain Circuits: decoding RNA processing in the developing mammalian cortex – PhD (funded) Ref: 5817

Supervisors

Dr Clémence Bernard 

Dr Jonathan Witton

Dr Giselle Cheung 

The University of Exeter’s Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences is inviting applications for a faculty-funded PhD studentship to commence on September 21^st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences on Streatham Campus in Exeter. 

The mammalian cerebral cortex contains a wide diversity of neuronal cell types that form highly specific connections during postnatal development to support complex behaviour. A major emerging question is how post-transcriptional mechanisms – including RNA processing – shape when and where proteins are produced to guide synapse formation and refinement. These processes are increasingly implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.  

This PhD project will investigate how an RNA processing enzyme controls the development of cortical circuits in the mouse brain. The successful candidate will use transgenic mouse lines and in vivo manipulations to explore the developmental expression and roles of this enzyme in synapse formation. In addition to mouse models, key techniques will include biochemical approaches, fixed tissue imaging and analyses of circuit development. 

This studentship is an excellent opportunity to drive fundamental discoveries in an exciting area of neurodevelopment, and to gain essential research skills. We encourage students interested in neuronal cell biology, neural circuits and developmental neuroscience to apply. 

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. However, please note the following: 

• The award covers only part of the international tuition fee, approximately £25,000.
• It does not include a stipend for living expenses.
• International applicants will need to cover additional costs, including:
• Student visa fees
• Immigration Health Surcharge
• Relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK to undertake a PhD. 

Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying. 

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of study such as Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or Biomedical Sciences. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information. 

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents 

• CV 

• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project). 

• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying) 

• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number. 

The closing date for applications is midnight on February 28^th 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually / on the University of Exeter Streatham/St Luke’s Campus in the week commencing March 30^th 2026.  

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided. 

Please quote reference 5817 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship. 

Summary