Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher (ESR) – School of Biosciences

Cardiff University is seeking an Early Stage Researcher within the Division of Neuroscience for the EU Horizon
2020 Marie Sklodowska‑Curie Action “ViSi‑On‑Brain”. The project focuses on modelling Huntington’s disease to study mechanisms of somatic CAG expansion and the role of microglia and astrocytes in disease onset and progression using cutting‑edge human in‑vitro and in‑silico biomedical tools.

As an ESR PhD student you will:

• Design, conduct and analyze experiments related to HD modelling and other neuro‑degenerative disease mechanisms.
• Collaborate with consortium partners to integrate stem‑cell, electrophysiology and bioinformatics data.
• Prepare and present scientific results in meetings, conferences and publications.
• Participate in dedicated training modules covering advanced techniques, transferable skills and international secondments.

• Recent completion of an MSc (or equivalent) with no more than 4 years of post‑degree research experience.
• Not yet have been awarded a doctorate.
• English language proficiency sufficient for research and scientific communication.
• Availability for trans‑national mobility: must not have resided or worked in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding the start date.
• Commitment to a 3‑year fixed‑term PhD contract beginning 1 October 2026.

• Annual basic salary in the region of £43,115 to £48,527, confirmed upon appointment.
• Living and mobility allowances as per Marie Sklodowska‑Curie regulations.
• Access to additional training, internships, secondments, transferable‑skills courses, workshops and conferences.

ViSi‑On‑Brain pursues a policy of equal opportunities on matters of gender and disability and will seek to recruit an equal proportion of male and female applicants. Employment procedures and contracts will conform to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

For informal enquiries, contact Professor Nick Allen at

Closing date:
Friday 19 June 2026. Interviews will be held on Monday 13 July 2026 via Microsoft Teams.