A potential factor contributing to our cognitive superiority over other primates is not only our larger brain size, but also our brain’s morphology and organisation. To understand how these morphological parameters are modulated during early brain development is essential. Thus, the early development of the human brain is not well understood, and approaches allowing the study of these early developmental processes will shed light on what makes the human brain unique and has applications for the identification of developmental defects underpinning neurological disorders. We will use in vitro models of human cerebral organoids (derived from induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, iPSCs) to study neurogenesis and the formation of the human neuroepithelium.
In an interdisciplinary approach between the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences (Palacios) and the School of Engineering and Materials Sciences (Gautrot), we will combine tissue and genetic engineering, cell biophysics, functional genetics by CRISPR, and computational modelling to study the molecular and cellular principles governing the early development of the human brain in health and disease. The outcome of the project will provide biological inspiration to the development of novel treatments and shine a light on neural mechanisms implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism.
Both laboratories have a genuine interest in learning how organs form and function, and by helping the development of disease treatments with such a knowledge. By combining organoids with bioengineering tools and theoretical modelling, the student will gain unprecedented insights into brain development both in health and in disease.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to fine tune the project based on individual interests and skills.
Dr Palacios’s group focuses on understanding the genetic and biophysics of cell and tissue organisation in a multicellular organism. These studies are important for understanding how animals, including humans, develop, but also what may go wrong when the cells and tissues do not function well in diseases, knowledge that may lead to novel treatments. Further details about Palacios’s group are available here: https://palacioslabqmul.squarespace.com/research
Prof Julien Gautrot’s lab focuses on how biological, mechanical and chemical properties of bio-materials (whether synthetic or of natural origin) cross-talk to control cell behaviour and in particular stem cell fate decision: How do cells remodel such materials and how does this impact on cell behaviour and tissue formation? Please see detail here: https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/j.gautrot/research/
Both groups have extensive experience working with students from China. Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in an area relevant to the project such as Cell and Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Stem cells or Neuroscience.
Knowledge of immunostainings, microscopy, 2D/3D cell culture, or molecular biology would be highly advantageous but are not required.
You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2025. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.
Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 29th January 2025 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Isabel Palacios AT i.palacios@qmul.ac.uk Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.
Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.
For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.
Apply Online