The Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) at Ulster University is advertising a funded PhD position for a project titled "Unlocking the Brain's Balance: Understanding Astrocyte Influence on Neural Communication Through Computer Modelling." This cutting-edge research project at Ulster University dives into one of the brain's most fascinating mechanisms: the conversation between brain cells that keeps our minds healthy and functioning. Our brains are incredibly complex networks where different types of cells work together in perfect harmony. At the centre of this research are astrocytes - star-shaped brain cells that act as the brain's supervisors. These cells manage a crucial molecule called GABA through a specialised transporter (GAT-3), which acts like a traffic controller for brain signals. When this system doesn't work properly, it can lead to various conditions that affect millions worldwide, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What We'll Do Using advanced computer modelling, this project will create detailed models of how brain cells interact, study how GABA levels affect brain circuit behaviour and investigate how changes in this system might lead to neurological conditions. Throughout this PhD, you'll gain expertise in: * Computational neuroscience modelling * Biophysical modelling of cellular processes * Scientific programming and version control * Collaboration with experimental neuroscientists More details about this position are available at Unlocking the Brain's Balance: Understanding Astrocyte Influence on Neural Communication Through Computer Modelling<https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/11b-intelligent-systems/...> For more information about the research environment at ISRC, visit About Intelligent Systems Research Centre<https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/topic/computer-science/intelligent-systems...> The PhD position is at Ulster University's Derry campus, one of the UK's top 10 research institutions. Recently named 'University of the Year 2024' by Times Higher Education, Ulster University is now the highest-ranked higher education institution in the UK and Ireland. The historic city of Derry, situated on the River Foyle in Northwest Northern Ireland, offers an ideal location between the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coast. Its rich cultural heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and numerous family activities make it an excellent place to live. Please contact Bronac (b.flanagan@ulster.ac.uk<mailto:b.flanagan@ulster.ac.uk>) if you are interested or have questions. Should you receive this email outside of business hours, no reply is required until the next working day This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee and may contain information which is covered by legal, professional or other privilege. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at postmaster@ulster.ac.uk and delete this email immediately. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ulster University. The University's computer systems may be monitored and communications carried out on them may be recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes. Ulster University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of a separate attachment, the text of email is not intended to form a binding contract. Correspondence to and from the University may be subject to requests for disclosure by 3rd parties under relevant legislation. The Ulster University was founded by Royal Charter in 1984 and is registered with company number RC000726 and VAT registered number GB672390524.The primary contact address for Ulster University in Northern Ireland is Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT52 1SA