Guarding the Brain's Blueprint: Investigating UPF3B in DNA Repair, Autism, and ADHD
Not stated
- Funding
- Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
- Application deadline
- 21 October 2026
About the project
About the Project Summary Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) like autism and ADHD affect millions, yet the underlying causes remain unclear. This PhD project investigates how mutations in the gene UPF3B, linked to NDDs, impair DNA repair in neurons. Using advanced techniques including CRISPR gene-editing, biochemical assay, nanopore DNA sequencing, and stem cell-derived neurons, the student will explore a novel disorder mechanism at the intersection of genome stability and brain development. The project offers multidisciplinary training in genetics, biochemistry, genomics, neuroscience, and bioinformatics. This work could contribute to improved diagnosis and understanding of NDDs, making a real-world impact on one of today’s most pressing health challenges. A full description of the project can be found on the GW4 BioMed website . Academic criteria: Applicants for a studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK. English requirements: IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or acceptable alternative. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details. How to Apply A list of all the projects and how to apply is available on the GW4 BioMed website . You may select up to 2 projects and submit one application per candidate only. Please complete an application to the GW4 BioMed3 for an ‘offer of funding’. If successful, you will also need to make an application for an 'offer to study' to your chosen institution later. Please note that we may close the application process before the stated deadline if an unprecedented number of applications are received– check the GW4 BioMed website for details and updates. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be notified from Tuesday, 22nd December 2026. Interviews will be held virtually on 26th and 27th January 2027. Studentships will start on 1 st October 2027.