PhD position in Modelling spine calcium dynamics: implications for synaptic plasticity
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Based within the EPSRC Centre for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare at the University of Exeter, a £2M initiative bringing together mathematicians, statisticians and clinicians, you will work on a project aiming to investigate the mechanisms and hence understand the regulation of calcium transient dynamics shown to be a critical trigger for synaptic plasticity in dendritic spines. In order to do this we will develop and analyse three-dimensional mathematical models using finite element methods. Therefore I am looking for candidates trained in quantitative fields whose interest has turned to the study of synaptic plasticity and calcium dynamics.
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP). The SWBio DTP is a BBSRC-funded PhD training programme in the biosciences, delivered by a consortium comprising the Universities of Bristol (lead), Bath, Cardiff and Exeter and Rothamsted Research. The SWBio DTP projects are designed to provide outstanding interdisciplinary training in a range of topics in World-Class Bioscience, underpinned by training in mathematics and complexity science. Each project is supervised by an interdisciplinary team of academic staff and will follow a structured training 4 year PhD model.
In particular the project on "Modelling spine calcium dynamics: implications for synaptic plasticity" stems form a long-standing collaboration between Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova (main supervisor, Exeter) and Dr Jack Mellor (co-supervisor, Bristol http://www.bris.ac.uk/synaptic/people/66711/)
To Apply: Candidates with strong quantitative training (e.g. a BSc or MSc in Physics, Mathematics, Computational Neuroscience, Computer Science, or Engineering) and evidence of scientific achievement are invited to apply. Knowledge of neuroscience is a plus. Please apply using the following link: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=1977
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Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare
College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences
University of Exeter
Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QF, UK
tel: +44 (0) 1392 723615
email: k.tsaneva-atanasova@exeter.ac.uk
web: http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/mathematics/staff/kt298
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