spatial, short-read and long-read RNA sequencing, to identify disease-associated changes in RNA splicing, transcript isoform use, RNA editing and 3′ untranslated region usage. The student will integrate transcriptomic data with genetic and cellular information to identify RNA-processing events and RNA-binding proteins that may contribute to neurodegeneration. Depending on the student’s interests and skills, the project may include computational analysis, development of reproducible pipelines, and experimental validation in human tissue or iPSC-derived cellular models.
Aims
To identify cell-type specific changes in RNA processing in human neurodegenerative disease brain tissue. To determine how changes in splicing, transcript usage, RNA editing and untranslated region usage relate to disease state, cell identity and genetic risk. To prioritise candidate RNA-binding proteins, transcript isoforms or RNA-processing events that may represent biomarkers or therapeutic targets. To validate selected candidates using independent datasets and, where appropriate, human cellular models or tissue-based assays.
https://www.ukdri.ac.uk/labs/ryten-lab
Funding Notes
For academic year October 27/28;
Gates US applications (round 1) close 14th October 26, further information available via Gates Website; View Website
Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge (round 2) deadline 8th December 26 to be eligible for funding. If you apply after the funding deadlines you will not be eligible for the Cambridge Funding competition, please indicate in your application all the funding you are eligible for. You can also check funding search Search - Postgraduate Funding Search
Funding deadlines for Lent and Easter 2027 have passed, so you will need to secure your own funding for these terms
References
Research themes; Dementia and neurodegeneration; Parkinson’s disease; human brain transcriptomics; RNA biology; genomics; single-cell and spatial transcriptomics; long-read RNA sequencing; computational biology; therapeutic target discovery.
Application portal link;
PhD https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcnpdpcn/apply
Research MPhil https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcnmpmds/apply
Please do try to get in contact directly with the supervisor should you want to discuss the project further.
If you do not hear back from the supervisor, you contact you can still include their name on the application as this will be sent to them to review as well as our committee.
Open Days
17 September 2026
Multiple dates
University of Cambridge
Postgraduate College Visit Days
Cambridge (United Kingdom)
View event
