Astrocyte Modelling: A New Approach to Understanding Functional and Dysfunctional Brain

Unlock the Brain's Secrets: Join Our Neuroscientific Revolution!

Dive into the uncharted cross-section between brain science and technology with our PhD project.

Passionate Explorers Wanted:

Calling individuals with a passion for discovery, whether in computational neuroscience, computer science, medical science, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or related fields. If you're eager to uncover how astrocytes impact our brain's performance, come join our team!

Project Overview:

The human brain, a marvel of complexity, requires a diverse team to investigate. Once deemed mere support cells, astrocytes are now recognized as active contributors to intelligence. Our focus is on their endfeet – dynamic extensions involved with neurons and blood vessels. Using advanced computer modelling, we aim to unveil the secrets of astrocytic calcium signalling in neurovascular coupling.

Your Mission:

Craft detailed computer models to unravel how astrocyte endfeet respond to neuron activity and changes in calcium levels. Probe the dynamic interplay between astrocyte endfoot processes and astrocytic calcium signalling. Validate your models using real-world experimental data, ensuring simulations mirror astrocyte endfoot dynamics in real life. Explore how these processes regulate blood flow in the brain and potential missteps in neurological disorders.

Why Choose Us:

Pioneering Research: Contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of computer modelling and neuroscience.

Collaborative Community: Work with a diverse team of world leading experts in computational and experimental neuroscience.

Cutting-Edge Resources: Access advanced tools, including imaging and powerful computational resources.

Professional Development: Learn skills that can be used across multiple industries like computational modelling, problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking, effective collaboration and communication skills.

Career Growth: Gain mentorship and training opportunities, preparing for a successful career in academia, industry, or healthcare.

Ready to Ignite the Future of Neuroscience? Apply Now! Join us in unravelling astrocyte biology secrets and shaping the future of computational neuroscience.

Please note that a research proposal is NOT required for this project.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

Dayan, P. and Abbott, L.F. (2001) Theoretical Neuroscience: Computational and Mathematical Modeling of Neural Systems. The MIT Press, Cambridge.

Haydon, P. G., & Parpura, V. (2009). Astrocytes in (Patho)Physiology of the Nervous System. Springer.

Verkhratsky A, Nedergaard M. (2018) Physiology of Astroglia. Physiol Rev 98: 239–389, 2018. doi:10.1152/physrev.