PhD Studentship: Identifying Networks and Neurochemical Mechanisms for Hallucinations and Working Memory Deficits in Schizophrenia using Neural Network Modelling and Neuroimaging

Funding for: UK

Funding amount: Minimum £19,000 p.a. for 3.5 years subject to confirmation of award

Hours: Full time

Contract: Temporary

Closing date: 28 October 2022

The project:

The debilitating hallucinations and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, while usually considered separately, may emerge due to a common mechanism.

The goal of this project is to identify cross-level mechanisms that produce hallucinations and working memory deficits in schizophrenia. We aim to do this by advancing our multi-area neural network models to replicate the hallucinations, working memory deficits, and cortical activity observed in people with schizophrenia, and by testing model predictions with neurochemical and functional imaging data. You may also use this computational platform to propose and test in-silico urgently needed new treatments.

You will be based in the Cognition, Anatomy and Neural Networks group (PI Dr. Sean Froudist-Walsh), in the Computational Neuroscience Unit at the University of Bristol. You will lead a collaboration with the world leading Multi-Modal Translational Imaging and Cognitive Neuroscience & Psychosis labs (PIs. Prof. Anissa Abi-Dargham, Prof. Mark Slifstein, Dr. Jared Van Snellenberg) at Stony Brook Hospital, New York, USA, and Prof. Matt Jones’ cutting-edge systems & translational neuroscience lab in Bristol. You will have the opportunity to spend two week-long visits to Stony Brook, New York.

We are committed to building a diverse intellectual community, and particularly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply to this position.

How to apply:

Prior to submitting your application, please send the academic listed a short personal statement (1 or 2 pages) and a CV.  No indication of an offer can be made until we receive a completed application.

To apply for this studentship, submit a PhD application through https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2022/eng/phd-computer-science/ and click on the ‘Apply’ link.

Please ensure that in the Funding section you tick “I would like to be considered for a funding award from the Computer Science Department” and specify the title of the scholarship in the “other” box below along with the name of the supervisor.  Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a Master’s degree (or international equivalent) in computational sciences, computer science, neuroscience, psychology, physics, mathematics or other relevant discipline.  Applicants without a Master’s qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree. 

Funding:

A tax-free stipend of £19.000 p.a. will also cover tuition fees. 

Contacts:  

For questions about the research topic please contact Dr Sean Froudist-Walsh

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact SCEEM Postgraduate Research Admissions sceem-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk