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Uncovering the role of Wnt and Notch signalling in embryonic stem cell pluripotency and differentiation

Funding
Self-funded
Study mode
Full-time
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Start date
Year round
Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
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Overview

This exciting project offers an opportunity for a motivated student to contribute to new understanding of the cellular decision mechanisms that control the fate of cells in the early embryo.

About this opportunity

How the early mammalian embryo converts a mass of identical cells in an organism with multiple axes of symmetry (anteroposterior, dorsoventral, mediolateral) is a critical question in developmental biology. Traditional approaches using forward and reverse genetics in animal models have elucidated many of the signals that specify these processes, however it is still unknown how the embryo integrates both mechanical and chemical signals over time, and how these impact cell fate allocation and morphogenesis.

To get a better understanding of these processes, this project will take an innovative in vitro organoid approach using gastruloids as an experimental system. Gastruloids are 3D aggregates of mouse embryonic stem cells, mimic many embryonic patterning events in culture, and critically they develop all embryonic axes in culture. The highly-controlled and scalable nature of gastruloids provides the means to access, observe and quantify the unfolding of early developmental patterning in detail.

The successful applicant will utilise gastruloids to uncover how Wnt and Notch interact to control cell fate during early cell fate specification. They will use quantitative microscopy of fixed and live gastruloids, following reporter and protein dynamics in real time, assessing how specific inputs alter cell fate. The supervisory team will provide training and support in all relevant techniques.

Who is this opportunity for?

This project is open to self-funded UK and international applicants.

Further reading

  • van den Brink, S. C. et al. (2014) Symmetry breaking, germ layer specification and axial organisation in aggregates of mouse embryonic stem cells. Development
  • Turner, D. A., et al. (2017) Anteroposterior polarity and elongation in the absence of extra-embryonic tissues and spatially localised signalling in gastruloids: mammalian embryonic organoids. Development
  • Beccari L., et al. (2018) Multi-axial self-organisation properties in ES cell-derived murine Gastruloids. Nature
  • Veenvliet, J.V., et al. (2021) Sculpting with stem cells: how models of embryo development take shape. Development.
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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    To apply to this project, email your CV and cover letter to the primary supervisor, Dr David Turner, in the first instance:

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.
  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

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Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £5,006

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £31,250

Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.


Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project.


Funding your PhD

This opportunity is for students with their own funding. Funding should cover course fees, living expenses and research expenses (bench fees). The research group cannot provide supplementary funding or provide advice about how to apply for funding.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.


My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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