"Neural systems development and cognitive impairments in chromatin-related disorders PhD Studentship"

The Department of Pathology has an excellent reputation in pure biological and biomedical research and is offering a fully funded studentship from October 2026 to work with Dr Kate Baker in this large and vibrant Department.

Funding for this studentship will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and Home University Fees. The studentship will be funded for 4 years from October 2026.

Further information about the course can be found here.

About the Project:

Project title: Neural systems development and cognitive impairments in chromatin-related disorders, a multimodal approach.

Chromatin-related disorders (CRDs) are a large group of rare genetic conditions affecting cognition and mental health. Although it is now relatively easy to diagnose CRDs, we are at an early stage of understanding how pathogenic variants in CRD genes disrupt epigenetic regulation and influence brain development, leading to this complex spectrum of lifelong difficulties. This patient-centred PhD will involve collecting and analysing deep phenotyping data (including structural and functional neuroimaging) to discover neural system abnormalities contributing to cognitive dimensions within CRDs. The student will contribute to local, national and international collaborative efforts to integrate patient phenotyping with molecular and cellular datasets to understand gene-brain-behaviour relationships.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

How to Apply:

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees. Additionally, the Department requires that by the time of interview all potential students must have fulfilled the language requirements for admission: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/requirements.

All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22) https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/apply.

A completed application must be submitted by the closing date below. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted.

It is the applicants responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date.

The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK HOME FEES ONLY.

Please check for eligibility details using this website: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status.

Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

Applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered.

Please quote reference PK47588 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.