Connectionists: PhD Studentships in Neurotechnology at Imperial College London

[Hobson, Kate]

4-year studentships available in the Imperial College EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Neurotechnology for Life and Health

Ten fully-funded studentships are now available for start in October 2015. 

Neurotechnology is the use of insights and tools from engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology to investigate neural function and treat dysfunction.  Brain-related illnesses affect more than two billion people worldwide, and the numbers are growing. Reducing this burden is a major challenge for society. The Centre for Doctoral Training in Neurotechnology for Life and Health will train a new generation of multidisciplinary researchers at the interface of neuroscience and engineering, to address this challenge.

The Centre spans the Faculties of Engineering, Natural Sciences and Medicine at Imperial, with investigators from the Departments of Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computing, Chemistry, Physics, Life Sciences, and the Division of Brain Sciences. Directed by Dr Simon Schultz, Prof Bill Wisden and Prof Paul Matthews, it intends to admit approximately 14 students per year. All research projects will involve a team of supervisors, each of whom will bring complementary expertise to the project. In addition to researchers from across Imperial College, the Centre involves twenty industry and charity partners, as well as satellite research groups at the Crick Institute and the University of Oxford.

Studentships begin with a one-year MRes in Neurotechnology, which forms an integral part of the four year training programme. During this year, students will take 3 months of taught courses specially developed for the CDT, followed by laboratory rotations as part of a single research training project. After the first year, students enter the PhD phase having developed the interdisciplinary and technical skills to thrive in a cutting edge research environment, and make the most impact with their PhD.

Who should apply
Applicants should be seeking to undertake a multidisciplinary 4-year research training programme at the interface between neuroscience and engineering. Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class degree, or non-UK equivalent, in an engineering or physical sciences discipline. Students with a biological or medical sciences background will be considered in exceptional circumstances, provided they can demonstrate substantial quantitative skills.

All studentships are open to UK or EU applicants who meet EPSRC eligibility criteria (see www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility). A limited number of places is also available to UK or EU applicants, with no residency criteria.

International (ie non UK/EU) candidates may be considered for the CDT programme if they can provide their own full funding for the 4 years.

Funding
Studentships cover tuition fees and a tax free stipend of approximately £16,000 per year. A generous annual allowance is provided for research consumables and for conference attendance.

How to Apply
Visit www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt for more information on the CDT as well as details of projects available and how to apply.  Application deadline: 30th January 2015.
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Kate Hobson | Administrator
Centre for Neurotechnology | Imperial College London
+44(0)20 7594 5101 | www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology