We seek to appoint a PhD student working on applications of magnetoencephalography (MEG) in rehabilitation.
MEG measures magnetic fields generated by current flow through neuronal assemblies in the brain. In this way, it offers a unique picture of human brain function, able to track the dynamics of brain networks in real time. In conventional MEG the sensors used must be cooled to cryogenic temperatures. Consequently, sensor arrays are fixed inside cumbersome cryogenic vessels; this means systems give poor brain coverage and patients must stay very still for long periods. The University of Nottingham’s new “quantum enabled” MEG employs novel sensors which do not require cooling. The prototype comprises 50 sensors mounted in a hat. The system adapts to any head shape/size and moves with the patient – enabling unparalleled coverage and free movement during a scan. The system also offers better data quality at lower cost.
The studentship is a partnership between the University of Nottingham and the newly established national rehabilitation centre (https://www.thednrc.org.uk/). The student will work with physicists and clinicians to deploy our MEG system in patients recovering from brain injury. The process of rehabilitation depends on brain plasticity (i.e. circuit remapping in which neurons that survive the injury are recruited to assume new responsibilities). By scanning patients’ multiple times over the course of their recovery, we will map the neural substrates that underlie plasticity, and therefore rehabilitation. This will allow discovery of biomarkers, forging a path where longitudinal MEG assessment will track efficacy of intervention and inform patient management decisions.
The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate, 1) high level computer programming 2) experience of rehabilitation/neurological disorders and 3) a good grasp of fundamental physics.
Funding
The studentship comes with a yearly stipend at RCUK rates (£17,668) plus tuition fees (£4,596). Full time (3 years) or part time study (up to 6 years, pro rata funding) is possible.
Applying for the PhDs
Applicants should have a 2.1 or higher in a relevant discipline, a good knowledge of healthcare and an interest in healthcare research;
Home/EU candidates only due to funding restrictions;
Available from October 2021 for three years (full time study) or up to six years (if part time study).
To apply, applicants should send the following information to [email protected]
- A personal statement (maximum 1000 words) demonstrating how your experience to date prepares you to undertake this PhD
- A current CV (2 pages maximum);
- 2 references – not contact details (references sent to [email protected] );
- PDF Copies of degree certificates/transcripts
- Evidence of English Language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any element, or equivalent) if your first language is not English;
For more information or informal enquiries, please contact Prof. Matt Brookes: [email protected]
Please quote ref: University of Nottingham/ National Rehabilitation Centre PhD Studentship (2023)
Closing date: 23.59pm (BST) on 3rd March 2023.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews, which will be held in Nottingham or via MS Teams on the 23rd March 2023. The fellowship will commence 1st July 2023.