Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Controlling Impulsive Behaviour

Project Overview

This project investigates the neurogenetic basis of impulsivity, a key aspect of psychiatric disease and addiction, using novel zebrafish loss-of-function mutants (rbfox1, yif1a, znf804a). The primary aim is to uncover dysregulated pathways and cellular distributions driving impulse control deficits by identifying shared molecular signatures across these lines. 

While preliminary single-cell and spatial transcriptomic data already reveal interesting findings, this project will generate comprehensive new datasets to enable robust hypothesis testing. The work involves hands-on sample preparation for single cell and spatial sequencing. 

One of the objectives is the development of novel, unconventional analytical pipelines within the Python ecosystem. Because existing tools are insufficient for whole-brain, sub-cellular multi-animal spatial data, the project will produce rigorously engineered, open-source software packages to be published and released for the broader scientific community. 

Using these custom pipelines, the project will identify cell-type- and region-specific gene expression changes, isolating shared pathways across the three mutants. These computational predictions will subsequently feed directly into a CRISPR crispant validation pipeline to confirm candidate targets, effectively bridging advanced computational biology with targeted wet-lab validation.

 

Research Environment 

Find out more about the Brennan Lab and the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website. 

The student will receive training and gain extensive experience in zebrafish as a developmental genetic model, processing and analysis of single cell and spatial transcriptomics data, which will include creating novel packages and pipelines using Python (and possibly, R), and use of advanced AI/ML methods. They will expand the existing internal single cell data analysis package and pipeline as well as develop novel end-to-end processing pipeline for (pseudo) 3D spatial transcriptomics data. The training will also include software engineering and bioinformatics principles, which include version control, software testing, benchmarking methods and tools, shared development and documentation preparation.

 

Entry Requirements 

• 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 : Bioinformatics, computational biology or systems biology; Genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience or biomedical science, with demonstrable computational experience; Computer science, data science, mathematics or statistics with a clear interest in biology 

 Essential requirements: 

• Interest in behavioural neuroscience or the genetics of psychiatric traits such as impulsivity 

• Willingness and ability to do hands-on lab work (tissue and sample preparation), not purely computational work 

• Experience in use of Python or R.  

• Clear communication and the ability to work across disciplines 

 

 Knowledge of the below would be advantageous but are not required:  

• Analysing large biological or other complex datasets 

• Python or R beyond scripting: e.g. writing functions and modules, using packages such as NumPy, pandas or scikit-learn 

• Single-cell or spatial transcriptomics analysis (e.g. Scanpy, Seurat, Squidpy, AnnData) 

• Image analysis or working with 3D or volumetric data (registration, segmentation) 

• Understanding of core molecular biology and genetics: gene expression, sequencing principles, what a loss-of-function mutation is 

• Molecular lab techniques: RNA/tissue handling, cryosectioning, PCR, or CRISPR 

• Experience with zebrafish or another model organism 

 

We welcome applicants from either a computational or a biological background. We do not expect candidates to have all the desirable skills, and training will be provided in the areas listed under Research Environment. 

You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 17th March 2027. 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. 

Find out more about our entry requirements here.

 

How to Apply

Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 27th January 2027 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application. 

Applicants are required to submit the following documents: 

• Your CV 

• Personal Statement 

• Evidence of English Language e.g.) IELTS Certificate 

• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates  

• References 

Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.

 

Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Caroline Brennan at c.h.brennan@qmul.ac.uk Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-phd-admissions@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

 

See Also

• Entry Requirements
• Fees and Funding
• Application Process