PhD in Neuroscience – Delineating the organisation of the human vagus nerve for selective neuromodulation

1.    About us

The Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering is one of the largest departments of its kind in the UK. The Department is proud to host internationally-leading research groups covering a broad range of activities and spread over several sites. Our staff and students have a diverse range of interests and expertise, covering many areas of physics, engineering, medicine, physiology, computer science, and mathematics. Our focus is on excellent academic research in identifying new technologies and methods for diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases using medical imaging, physiological monitoring, and the development of implanted devices. We also offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

The EIT group has outstanding computing and technical facilities, and a dedicated physiology laboratory. It has close links with Neuroscience at UCL, and the recently opened Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for neural circuits. Neuroscience at UCL is ranked first in Europe and second in the world according to Thomson Reuters Essential Science Indicators. UCL is a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment that provides excellent opportunities for training and career development.

2.   About the role

Applications are invited for a Pre-doctoral Research Assistant or a PhD Studentship in Neuroscience position to join the EIT and Neurophysiology Lab in the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at UCL. The position is part of a project funded by the UK Medical Research Council which involves delineating the organisation and composition of the vagus nerve of humans to allow for selective electrical stimulation to treat diseases.

The post offers a unique opportunity to conduct research at an internationally leading university and contribute to the advancements in selective neuromodulation. Prof. Holder’s research group is internationally recognised for its pioneering work in neural engineering. The appointed person will work in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, physiologists, doctors and physicists and collaborate with other teams in the consortium.

The postholder will be required to carry out research in the area of peripheral/autonomic nerve imaging and neuromodulation, including designing and running experiments, recording, analysing, and writing up the results. The role will involve ex vivo imaging and mapping of human vagus nerves, histological section preparation, staining, immunohistochemistry, microCT imaging, image processing, data acquisition, analysis, and dissemination of findings. They may also participate in in vivo

physiological studies using novel multi-electrode nerve cuffs and Electrical Impedance Tomography. The role includes preparing and presenting findings to colleagues, drafting and submitting papers to peer-reviewed journals, preparing progress reports for funding bodies, and contributing to the overall activities of the research team and department.

For more information about this role, please see the Job Description and Person Specification (Job Description and Person Specification – PhD or Pre-doctoral Research Assistant – FindaPhD) and contact d.holder@ucl.ac.uk should you require further information.

This is a fixed-term role for three years from the start date in the first instance and would be suitable for submission for a PhD. The role is available to start at the earliest convenience. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

3.   About you

The successful applicant will have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience or a neuroscience-related discipline (e.g., Biology, Biomedicine or Biophysics).

The applicant will have experience in histology, immunohistochemistry, and medical imaging and an understanding of autonomic neuroscience. Previous experience in dissection, anatomy, peripheral nerve studies, image reconstruction and proficiency in computer programming (e.g. Matlab) is desirable.

Good demonstrable practical skills in the aforementioned techniques, a strong publishing record, communication skills and a willingness to contribute to public engagement events, as well as professionalism when dealing with external collaborators are also essential. The successful candidate will have proven research aptitude, research and laboratory experience, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

4.   How to apply

Your application should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please evidence how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description (Job Description and Person Specification – PhD or Pre-doctoral Research Assistant – FindaPhD). Please send your CV and cover letter to d.holder@ucl.ac.uk with email subject: “PhD Application: Human Vagus Nerve Project” followed by your name.