VISI·ON·BRAIN
VISI-ON-BRAIN is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network running for 48 months and training 15 doctoral candidates (DCs).
The programme focuses on cutting-edge human in vitro and in silico biomedical tools on brain disorders, delivered through six interlinked work packages: bioengineering (WP1), in vitro modelling (WP2), in silico modelling (WP3), education and training (WP4), communication and exploitation strategies (WP5) and project management (WP6).
VISI-ON-BRAIN combines advanced experimental platforms (e.g., microfluidic systems and organoid-based approaches) with computational and AI-enabled methods, and integrates training across disciplines to build both deep technical skills and transferable competencies.
Brain disorders are a major societal and economic challenge, with high disease burden and limited disease-modifying options.
VISI-ON-BRAIN trains researchers to develop new human in vitro and in silico approaches, addressing gaps in current models.
Interdisciplinary doctoral training strengthens Europe’s long-term innovation capacity and cross-sector collaboration.
15 doctoral graduates completing PhD projects within an interdisciplinary, networked programme.
New or improved brain-on-the-bench concepts, combining brain-on-chip and 3D organoids, including multi-cell interactions relevant to brain disorders.
Advances in in silico modelling, including integration of multi-omics and functional readouts and linking in vitro readouts with human EEG data.
Four network-wide research schools and a network conference/public event.
A project communication and exploitation programme, including the project website and public engagement plans for DCs.
Area of Focus: Computational Models of the Neonatal Brain
Description: The university is offering a three-year Early Stage Researcher position within the VISIONBRAIN Doctoral Network to build biologically plausible computational models of the newborn brain. The role involves combining mathematical theories with cutting-edge functional and diffusion MRI data.
Area of Focus: Neuroscience Artificial Intelligence
Description: This private R&D company seeks a PhD candidate for the VISIONBRAIN network to apply deep learning and AI techniques to neuroscience data. The research aims to drive digital health breakthroughs by measuring and modulating brain electrical activity for applications like personalized treatments and biomarkers.
Area of Focus: Brain-on-Chip Device Development
Description: Offering a PhD position within the VISI-ON-BRAIN network to study neural development and neurodegenerative diseases. The candidate will use human pluripotent stem cell technology, 3D bioprinting, and microfabrication to develop advanced Brain-on-Chip models.
Area of Focus: Multidisciplinary Scientific Collaboration
Description: FRESCI is continuously seeking to affiliate with passionate, innovative scientists and out-of-the-box thinkers. The organization is dedicated to fostering community synergies and welcomes ambitious «bio-adventurers» and «game changers» who thrive in multidisciplinary environments to drive transformative scientific progress.
Area of Focus: General Ph.D. Programmes
Description: CNR offers a doctoral candidate position focused on generating fully hiPSC-derived blood-brain barrier organoids and vascularized brain assembloids for disease modelling. The selected candidate will be enrolled in the PhD programme at Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca (UNIMIB).
Area of Focus: Organ-on-Chip Technologies
Description: The university is offering a PhD position within the MSCA VISI-ON-BRAIN Doctoral Network, with research specifically focused on the development and application of advanced organ-on-chip models.
Area of Focus: Clinical Brain Research
Description: An MSCA PhD position is offered in association with the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH), indicating a strong focus on advanced neuroscience and clinical brain research methodologies
Area of Focus: Brain-on-Chip Models for Huntington’s Disease
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Area of Focus: AI and Multimodal Data Integration in Neuroscience
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Area of Focus: Neuroimmune Interactions and Brain-on-Chip Models
Description:Offering a PhD position within the VISI-ON-BRAIN network to study neuroimmune interactions using human-based in vitro approaches. The candidate will investigate how immune cell secretomes from psychiatric disorders affect neural connectivity and function, combining brain-on-chip technologies, calcium imaging, IPSC cultures, and multi-omics analyses.
Area of Focus: Advanced iPSC-based 3D models for neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease)
Description: This PhD project focuses on developing and applying advanced human iPSC-based models to study Alzheimer’s disease. The candidate will work with 2D and 3D cellular systems, including genome‑engineered and reprogrammed cells. Research will address key disease mechanisms, including glial cell interactions and neurodegeneration processes. The project integrates stem cell biology, genome engineering and molecular neuroscience approaches.
Area of Focus: Human iPSC-derived brain models for neurodevelopmental disorders
Description:This PhD project focuses on the development and application of human brain models based on iPSCs.
The candidate will generate and analyse 2D and 3D neural systems to study human neurodevelopment.
The work includes differentiation, characterisation and functional analysis of cellular brain models.
Experimental approaches will combine stem cell biology, molecular techniques and omics-based analyses.
Here are 5 frequently asked questions and answers that students might have regarding these PhD offers:
(Cutting-edge Human In Vitro And In Silico Biomedical Tools On Brain Disorders) is an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. The network brings together academia and industry to train early-stage researchers in developing human-relevant neuroscience tools, such as advanced in vitro (like Brain-on-Chip) and in silico (computational) models, to understand brain disorders without relying on animal models. King’s College London, Starlab, and DTU Bioengineering are all participating host institutions.
To qualify for the MSCA roles at King’s College London, Starlab, or DTU Bioengineering, you must meet strict European funding criteria:
Candidates selected for the MSCA positions are offered a 36-month full-time employment contract. The financial package includes a living allowance and a mobility allowance, with a family allowance available if applicable, following Horizon Europe MSCA rules. For example, the King’s College London position lists a living allowance of £39,523.16 per year along with a mobility allowance of £4,869.59 per year. These positions also fully cover your PhD tuition fees.
Yes, mobility and collaboration are central to these programs. Candidates will participate in a comprehensive international training program and undertake mandatory secondments (research training periods) with other academic or industry partners within the VISI-ON-BRAIN consortium. These secondments usually last from a few weeks up to six months and take place in a different EU country than your primary host institution.
For the DTU Bioengineering position, you are allowed to apply before officially obtaining your master’s degree, provided you complete it before the start date. If you haven’t been awarded the degree by the application deadline, you must submit a signed declaration from your university or supervisor confirming that you will obtain the degree prior to PhD enrollment.
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