PhD Studentship: Age-dependent Regenerative Mechanism in the Brain

Applications are invited for a fully funded four-year PhD studentship at The Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, where you will work in the Bayin Lab to explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate the regenerative potential of stem cells in the brain during development and in adulthood using mouse genetics, single cell genomics, and in vivo and in vitro stem cell assays. The Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon institute is a leading institution in basic research of development and cancer, embedded in the first-class interdisciplinary environment of the University.

The Bayin Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate self-renewal, differentiation and plasticity of neural stem/progenitor populations during development and homeostasis, in order to discover how to stimulate repair of the brain upon injury. The cerebellum, which is a folded hindbrain structure that is important for skilled motor movements and higher order cognitive functions, has emerged as a powerful system to study the regenerative responses in the brain. We have previously shown that the cerebellum can recover from the loss of at least two types of neurons via distinct regenerative mechanisms (Wojcinski, Nature Neuroscience, 2017; Bayin, eLife, 2018; Bayin, Science Advances, 2021). However, the full repertoire of molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate neonatal cerebellar development and injury response remain to be studied. Importantly, the regenerative potential of the neonatal cerebellum dramatically decreases once development ends, despite the presence of stem-like cells in the adult mouse cerebellum. This project involves using in vivo and in vitro approaches to identify mechanisms that control the developmental and regenerative responses of cerebellar progenitors in neonates and determine how it differs in adults in order to understand how we can facilitate efficient repair after injury to the brain. A variety of other projects on neural stem cell biology during brain development and pathologies are possible, depending on the student's interest and background. Please visit www.bayinlab.com for more information.

A stipend from the UKRI of £15,609 per annum will be provided for 4 years with effect from 1 October 2022. This funding also covers the University Composition Fee and Maintenance and an allowance for consumables. The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

Applicants should hold or be about to achieve a First or Upper-Second (2.i) class degree in a relevant biological science subject. Knowledge in cell, developmental biology and genetics would be an asset. A background and/or interest in bioinformatics is desired. Importantly, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic team member who is a critical thinker and can work independently, and have excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively within and outside of the laboratory.

The closing date for applications is 7th February 2022.

Interviews will be held in late February/early March.