CRISPR Brain Organoid Neurodevelopment Research
CRISPR Screens in Human Brain Organoids to Uncover Shared Mechanisms of Autism and OCD/Tic Disorders
Published on the 08 October 2026 by UNSW Scientia PhD Project
This project is part of the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme
Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend and a one-off Global Mobility Grant to conduct international engagement activities.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder and other tic disorders frequently co-occur and share features such as repetitive and restricted behaviours, yet it remains unclear whether they arise through common developmental mechanisms. This PhD project will use pooled CRISPR inhibition screening combined with single-cell transcriptomics in human cortical organoids to address this question.
Approximately 60 high-confidence ASD and OCD/tic disorder risk genes will be perturbed in parallel, allowing their effects on cortical cell types and developmental gene-regulatory programmes to be mapped at single-cell resolution. The project will determine whether genetically distinct disorders converge on shared molecular pathways, which cell populations are most affected, and when during cortical development these effects emerge. The successful candidate will gain expertise in human stem-cell and organoid models, CRISPR screening, single-cell genomics and computational analysis, and will undertake a 4–6 month international research placement.
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- Residency: Domestic applicants only.
- Degree program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You must meet the minimum requirements below to apply:
- An appropriate Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW: OR
- A completed Master by Research, with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high-quality research thesis; OR
- a qualification from another tertiary institution at a level considered equivalent by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)
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Eligible applicants must contact the Primary Supervisor, Irina Voineagu - z3410204@ad.unsw.edu.au. If she agrees to supervise you, you will be invited to submit a formal application to UNSW.
Your email should include:
- CV
- Official academic transcripts
- A brief introduction about you and why you are qualified for this project.
- What interests you about this project and the supervisor(s) expertise.
Research project overview
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Scholarship value
$39,991 per annum (2027 rate) stipend for 3.5 years
$25,000 Global Mobility Grant (one-off) -
Supervisory team
Professor Irina Voineagu (UNSW, Primary Supervisor)
Professor Sergiu Pasca (Stanford University, Co-Supervisor)
Professor Valsama Eapen (UNSW, Co-Supervisor)
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Global research partner
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Candidate residency
Domestic
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Degree program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
UNSW School | Research area
Faculty of Science | School of Biotechology and Biomolecular Science
Impact focus area
Pillar 8: Enable healthy lives
Learn more
Primary supervisor
Do you have questions?
The UNSW Graduate Research School manages all postgraduate research applications and scholarships. Get in touch with our team to discuss your research interests and the next steps.