DoS Dr Mariam Pirashvili ([email protected] )
2nd Supervisor Dr Nathan Broomhead ([email protected] , tel.: +441752 586874)
3rd Supervisor Dr Sean Fallon ( [email protected] , tel.: +441752 584836)
4th Supervisor Dr Colin Christopher ([email protected] , tel: +441752 586857)
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1st October 2024.
Project Description
The primary objective of this project is to leverage methods from Topological Data Analysis (TDA) to help us understand how individual brains differ.
By changing certain parameters, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners allow us to collect two types of data: structural and functional. Structural data reveals the integrity of certain brain regions, e.g., is a certain part of the brain big or small? Functional data furnishes us with an indication of whether that brain region is being ‘used’ at a certain time point.
This project will apply methods from topological data analysis (TDA) on structural and functional datasets acquired by the University of Plymouth’s Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC). It will aim to provide ways to quantify how individual brains differ.
The challenge addressed by this research is a critical bottleneck in neuroscience and psychology – the scarcity of effective quantitative metrics for analysing the brain. The current approaches, using methods such as the General Linear Model and linear time-invariant systems, assume a highly modular organisation of the brain, where distinct regions support specific aspects of psychological functioning. Work emanating from this project will allow us to break free from these conventional constraints, offering a more flexible and comprehensive perspective on the brain.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification. The ideal candidate would have a strong grounding in mathematics. An understanding of the brain or neuroimaging would be an advantage, but training in neuroscience will be provided. Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome.
The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a stipend of £19,088 per annum (2024/25 rate TBC). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.
NB: The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The second part of the fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Mariam Pirashvili, [email protected] .
To apply for this position please click the ‘Apply’ button.
Please clearly state the name of the DoS and the studentship title that you are applying for on the top of your personal statement.
Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact [email protected]
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 15th March 2024.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter.
Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.