University of Portsmouth PhD Studentship in Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences 2026

Applications are invited for a fully-funded three year PhD to commence in October 2026. 

The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Sciences and Health, and will be supervised by Dr Jordi Cayuso and Professor Matt Guille.

Variations in the CASK gene cause a rare disorder called microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH). Affected children have small heads, skull abnormalities, seizures, and severe intellectual and motor disabilities. Increased cell death has been reported in the brains of developing and postnatal CASK mutant mice, suggesting a potential role of apoptosis in MICPCH pathogenesis. Unfortunately, little is known about the function of CASK in brain development, making it difficult to design disease-modifying therapies for CASK-related disorders.

This project will use the zebrafish model system to uncover the mechanisms by which CASK regulates brain development and neuronal survival. The student will employ state-of-the-art CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate novel zebrafish mutants for caska and caskb, the two zebrafish orthologues of CASK. These models will provide a unique opportunity to explore the impact of CASK loss on the developing brain, cranial neural crest, and glial cell function.

The project will combine advanced imaging and molecular approaches to investigate when and where neuronal apoptosis occurs in CASK mutants and whether glial cells, which play a central role in neurodegeneration, contribute to this process. By integrating genetic, cellular, and developmental analyses, the student will contribute to a deeper understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying CASK-related disorders.

This PhD will provide comprehensive training in zebrafish genetics, neurodevelopmental biology, fluorescence imaging, and quantitative data analysis. The student will join a vibrant research environment at the University of Portsmouth, with opportunities for collaboration across groups specialising in neural repair, neuroinflammation, disease modelling, and multi-omics approaches.

Overall, this project offers the opportunity to develop advanced research skills while contributing to novel insights into a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder, with potential long-term implications for therapeutic strategies.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 16, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Portsmouth
• City to studyPortsmouth
• School to studyUniversity of Portsmouth
• Course to studyBiomedical Science , Pharmacology , Pharmacy
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Candidates applying for this project may be eligible to compete for one of a small number of bursaries available.
• Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26).
• Bursary recipients will also receive a £1,500 p.a. for project costs/consumables.

Requirements

• This funded PhD is only open to new students who do not hold a previous doctoral level qualification.
• You will need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Specific candidate requirements

Essential

• A good undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) or Master’s degree in Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in neurodevelopmental disorders, cell biology, or genetics.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work with zebrafish as an experimental model.
   

Desirable

• Practical experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, CRISPR, or related methods).
• Experience with microscopy and/or image analysis.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and data handling.
• Strong communication skills, with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Application Deadline

How To Apply

Please note that email applications are not accepted. If you have any project-specific questions please contact Dr Jordi Cayuso ([email protected]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please use this online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code MPB50700126 when applying.

For more details, visit University of Portsmouth Scholarship webpage