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  6. Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain (SIDB) PhD Studentships 2026

Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain (SIDB) PhD Studentships 2026

Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain

Closing date
20 Jan 2026 12:00 AM
Salary
£25,000 per annum, plus tuition fees (including international)

Applications are invited for our full time fully-funded 3.5 year doctoral training programme. Our projects span basic and translational brain sciences focused on discovering the biological mechanisms underlying autism. SIDB is a philanthropic Centre funded by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative based at the University of Edinburgh.

 Entry Projects Available

  1. Sense & Sensibility: How brain plasticity underpins sensory perception & learning. (Dr Leena Williams)
  2. Determining the reciprocal relationship between hyperexcitability and activity-dependent bulk endocytosis. (Professor Mike Cousin)
  3. Oxytocin receptor–defined circuits in social and emotional behaviour: mapping and targeted rescue in a Syngap rat model. (Dr Sally Till)
  4. Defining the impact and relevance of compromised regulation by hnRNP family members on ASD-relevant neurobiology. (Dr Chris Sibley)
  5. Investigation of the neural computations underlying cognitive dysfunction in rat models of autism. (Dr Marino Pagan)
  6. How do the conduction properties of myelinated axons mature in developing neural circuits? (Dr David Lyons & Dr Julia Meng)
  7. Neurobiology and development of natural social behaviour in the precocial spiny mouse. (Dr Ann Clemens)
  8. Investigating the mechanism of action of loss of function CHAMP1 variants. (Dr Martine Manuel)
  9. ASD Mutations in the Ciliary Gene BBS4 and Macrocephaly in Human Cortical Organoids. (Dr Thomas Theil)
  10. Exploring affective touch and pain in rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders. (Dr Carole Torsney)
  11. Investigating sensory integration in the head direction system in rat models of neurodevelopmental disorders. (Dr Emma Wood)

Eligibility and Funding

This is a SIDB-funded award. It will provide an annual stipend for 3.5 years of £25,000 per annum, plus tuition fees (including international).

Applicants should also meet the academic and English language entry requirements for admission to postgraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh.

How to Apply and Deadline

  • Full project details are found on the SIDB website
  • Applicants should submit 1 application form, specifying up to two of the PhD projects listed.
  • Please note: When you apply, you are applying to join the SIDB cohort to complete a SIDB-funded PhD. You are not applying to each project individually, but identifying your top 2 favourite projects offered by SIDB. Therefore, on the application form, please indicate why you are interested to join SIDB, though you are welcome, in addition, to mention why you have selected specific projects.
  • Please download the Application Form from the SIDB website and, when completed, email it to [email protected]
  • Please ensure your two references are also submitted by the deadline to the above email address (directly by your referees).
  • Deadline: Tuesday 20th January 2026 23:59
  • Virtual interviews will be held in February 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to make contact with the named supervisor(s) for their chosen project(s) to discuss the project in more detail. The studentships will begin in September 2026.

If you have an enquiry about the programme, please email [email protected]

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