A fully funded studentship is available to work with Dr. Marc Goodfellow (University of Exeter, UK) and Prof. George Augustine (NTU, Singapore). The deadline for applications is 31st January 2019.
Healthy brain function is mediated by the coordination of neuronal activity - both locally and across different brain regions - giving rise to large-scale brain dynamics. These dynamics are measured using a variety of techniques, for example
magneto-/electro-encephalography or functional MRI in humans, or by fluorescence-based imaging of voltage- or calcium-sensitive indicators in animal models in vivo. Uncovering the nature and mechanisms of large-scale brain dynamics at rest, or during sensory
processing, remains a fundamental challenge in neuroscience. In addition to basic insight, improving our understanding of healthy brain dynamics will help us elucidate reasons why abnormal dynamics occur, for example in neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders.
This studentship will develop a novel program of interdisciplinary research across in vivo (mouse) experimentation and mathematical modelling. The overall aim is to construct and validate mathematical models of large-scale brain dynamics
that are able to explain the spontaneous activity of the rodent brain in vivo. The student will train in optogenetic technologies and in vivo imaging, as well as mathematical model development, multi-variate time series analysis and parameter fitting tools,
thus placing them at the forefront of interdisciplinary neuroscience. In a first step, targeted optogenetic stimuli will be combined with voltage sensitive dye imaging in awake mice to probe the response of brain tissue to excitatory and inhibitory afferent
stimuli. Neural mass models will be fit to these data, using machine learning approaches (for example random forests). This information will be compiled into a predictive model of cortical dynamics and tested against experimental recordings of spontaneous
activity.
The studentship is part of a joint program between The University of Exeter (UoE) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. They are offering six fully funded postgraduate studentships to undertake collaborative research projects
at the two institutions, leading to PhD degrees (split-site) to be conferred either by the UoE or NTU. Students pursuing these postgraduate research projects will benefit from the unique opportunity to conduct their research at both institutions. Students
will be registered at one or other institution, where they will be based for the majority of their time, but will spend at least 12 and not more than 18 months at the partner institution over the duration of the programme. The frequency and length of stays
at each institution will be agreed with successful candidates prior to offers being made.
All six projects are advertised concurrently at both institutions and three will be allocated to each institution after the deadline has passed, based on a collaborative decision made between the UoE and NTU. The final decision on the
successful applicant for each project will be made by the institution hosting the project. Project allocation will be based on the applicant’s best fit to a project, following a review of applications submitted to each institution. Applications to undertake
the projects at the UoE and NTU are open to all nationalities.
The programme start dates are August 2019 for NTU and September 2019 for UoE
The home institution will determine the regulations that will apply to the successful applicant. The student’s main supervisor will be based at the home institution.
For further information and to register interest, please contact Dr. Marc Goodfellow (m.goodfellow@exeter.ac.uk).
To apply and for further details, please see http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=3058