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University of Cambridge

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PhD in Retrograde Mitochondrial Signalling, Epigenetic Reprogramming, and Neuroinflammation in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis University of Cambridge in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biology

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Dec 8, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Cambridge

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Keywords

Biology
Neuropsychology
Neuroinflammation
Medical Science
Multiple Sclerosis

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences on retrograde mitochondrial signalling, epigenetic reprogramming, glial toxicity, and neuroinflammation in progressive multiple sclerosis.

The project focuses on how mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial stress trigger nuclear signalling and epigenetic changes that may drive astrocytes toward a dysfunctional disease-associated radial glia-like (DARG) phenotype. The work is strongly research-oriented and combines neuroscience, medical science, biology, and advanced molecular approaches.

Students will work with patient-derived iNSCs, control lines, post-mortem brain samples, and public human datasets such as snRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics. Methods mentioned include RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, MeDIP-seq, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, molecular biology, cell culture, and potentially in vivo validation using brain organoids and, later, in utero xenotransplantation if justified by progress.

The project is supervised by Dr S Pluchino at the University of Cambridge. It is a competition-funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding information notes Cambridge Trust and Gates Cambridge deadlines, with eligibility depending on applying before the relevant funding cut-offs.

Key interests include progressive multiple sclerosis, mitochondrial signalling, epigenetics, glial biology, neuroinflammation, senescence, and stem cell-based disease modelling. Applicants should be prepared for a mechanistic, multi-omics, and translational neuroscience project.

Deadline: Cambridge Trust / Gates Cambridge round 2 deadline: 8 December 2026. Gates US round 1 deadline: 14 October 2026.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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