Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain (SIDB)
PhD Studentships 2025

Applications are invited for 3.5-year full time fully-funded PhD studentships, in subjects spanning basic and translational brain sciences in the biological mechanisms underlying autism. SIDB is a philanthropic Centre funded by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative. It is based at the University of Edinburgh.

2025 Entry Projects Available:

1. Investigating the effects of a neurodevelopmental disorder-causing mutation in eEF1A2 on neuronal structure and function (Prof Cathy Abbott)
2. Understanding the function and regulation of local SHANK3 protein synthesis (Supervisor: Dr Paul Donlin-Asp)
3. Defining the Molecular and Developmental Basis of Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome (Dr Rob Illingworth)
4. Exploring the role of dysfunctional protein turnover in the nucleus accumbens in Fragile X syndrome (Dr Susana Louros)
5. Investigating the mechanism of action of loss of function CHAMP1 variants (Dr Martine Manuel)
6. Evaluation of mechanisms for altered neural population dynamics in a rodent model of Fragile X syndrome (Prof Matt Nolan)
7. Investigation of the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction in rat models of autism (Dr Marino Pagan)
8. Noradrenergic-dependent visual disruption and restoration in a mouse model of SYNGAP1-related Intellectual Disability (Prof Nathalie Rochefort)
9. Investigation of connectome deficits in monogenic forms of autism using high throughput anatomy (Dr Gülşen Sürmeli)
10. Developmental tactile and pain processing in Grin2b related neurodevelopmental disorder (Dr Carole Torsney)
11. Neural Circuits of Kinship Behaviour (Dr Ann Clemens)

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 sidbadm@ed.ac.uk
• Please ensure your two references are also submitted by the deadline to the above email address (directly by your referees).
• Deadline: Sunday 26th January 2025 23:59
• Virtual interviews will be held in February 2025

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 2025.

If you have an enquiry about the programme, please email SIDB Scientific Officer: Jane Wright at jane.wright@ed.ac.uk.