The Schröder Lab at the University of Sussex, UK, offers a
PhD studentship for 42 months
starting in September 2021.

We study how behaviour and internal states like arousal influence visual processing in the early visual system, in particular the retina and the superior colliculus. Based on recent discoveries that even the earliest visual signals in the brain are not purely visual (Schröder et al. 2020, Neuron), we want to understand how the integration of visual and behavioural signals could benefit the processing of visual input and ultimately help the animal to reach its behavioural goals. Our lab works with mice as model system and uses two-photon imaging of neurons and their presynaptic inputs (axon terminals), high-density electrophysiology (Neuropixels probes), and opto-/chemogenetic manipulations to address these questions.

Available projects include: (1) To discover how visual responses of different cell types in the retina and superior colliculus (receiving direct retinal input) are modulated by behaviours like running and by different states of arousal; (2) To discover the mechanisms underlying this behavioural modulation, focusing on the effects of neuromodulators like noradrenaline and serotonin. Details of the projects will be shaped by the skills and interests of the candidate.

We strongly encourage collaborations with other groups at Sussex Neuroscience such as Leon Lagnado, Tom Baden and Miguel Maravall.

Please submit a formal application by 15th January, 2021, using our online application system at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply, including a CV (2-3 pages), degree transcripts and certificates, statement of interest (1 page) and names of two academic referees.
On the application system use Programme of Study – PhD Neuroscience.

Please make sure you include the project title and Supervisor’s name with your statement of interest on the application form.

This School funded position, which covers fees and a stipend at standard RCUK rates, is open to Home / EU applicants. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in neuroscience with additional experience of quantitative data analysis. Alternatively, the candidate has a background in a physics, engineering or computer science and has a keen interest in neuroscience and performing experiments. Eligible applicants will have recently received an MSc and/or a First or high 2:1 BSc in a relevant subject. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section.

Contact Emma Chorley for application enquiries (lifesciphd@sussex.ac.uk).
Contact Sylvia Schröder for enquiries about the project.