At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop neurotechnologies for brain disorders using neuronal activity datasets.
- Company: Join an interdisciplinary team at Newcastle University focused on cutting-edge neurotechnology research.
- Benefits: Receive full tuition coverage and a stipend of £20,780 annually.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful research with real-world applications in epilepsy and psychiatric disorders.
- Qualifications: Must have a 2:1 honours degree in neuroscience or neural engineering; computational skills are a plus.
- Other info: Application deadline is 31 August 2025; interviews scheduled for the week of 8th September.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
Award Summary
100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend equal to that provided by UKRI (for reference 2025/26 is £20,780).
Overview
Are you interested in developing neurotechnologies for treating brain disorders? In this PhD you will work with datasets of neuronal activity in animals and humans. You will apply computational approaches to describe spatial and temporal patterns across different neurons in the neocortical circuit and use them for closed-loop brain stimulation. By examining how these spatiotemporal dynamics relate to behaviour, you will develop new brain decoding methods and test the extent to which these generalise across brain areas and species.
You will be working with an interdisciplinary team led by Prof Andrew Jackson funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) that is using state-of-the-art multielectrode technologies to obtain high-resolution recordings from inside the brain. You will become an expert in the latest AI approaches to interpreting these large datasets, as well as computational models that capture low-dimensional structure that reflects the architecture of the neocortex. By working with researchers developing new brain stimulation methods, you will contribute to developing closed-loop algorithms for regulating brain dynamics with clinical applications in epilepsy and psychiatric disorders.
Number Of Awards:1
Start Date:September/October 2025, or potentially 5th January 2026
Award Duration:The funding covers a four-year PhD.
Application Closing Date:31 August 2025; Interview the week of 8th September
Sponsor:ARIA & Newcastle University – Faculty Medical Sciences
Supervisors
Dr Alexander Kraskov and Dr Luke Bashford,Biosciences Institute,Newcastle University
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent, in a subject relating to neuroscience or neural engineering. Further qualifications such as an MRes is advantageous. The candidate must have or be willing to learn computational methods for data analysis.
The studentship covers fees at the Home rate only.
How To Apply
You must apply through the University’sApply to Newcastle Portalvia the above \’Apply\’ button.
In the ‘Course choice’ tab:
- Select ‘Postgraduate Research’ in the \’Type of Study\’ field
- Select ‘Full Time’ in the ‘Mode of Study’ field
- Select ‘2025’ in the ‘Year of Entry’ field
- Enter programme code8420Fin the ‘Course Title’ field
- Leave the ‘Research Area’ field blank
- Press ‘Search’
- Select ‘PhD Biosciences (FT)’
- Save selection
In the ‘Further Details’ section:
- A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form, quoting the studentship reference codeBI095, stating the title of the studentship, how your interests and experience relate to the project, highlighting if possible your experience in data analysis, computational approaches to describe neuronal data.
- The studentship codeBI095in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
- When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal – select ‘Write Proposal’, and type in the title of the research project from this advert (No need to upload a research proposal).
In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section:
- Upload your CV
You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.
Contact Details
For further details, please contact:
Dr Alexander (Sasha) Kraskov,Biosciences Institute,E-mail: sasha.kraskov@ncl.ac.uk
The studentship covers fees at the Home rate only.
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PhD Studentship in Neurotechnology: Spatiotemporal Population Dynamics for Neural Decoding employer: Newcastle University
Contact Detail:
Newcastle University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Neurotechnology: Spatiotemporal Population Dynamics for Neural Decoding
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in neurotechnology and AI approaches. This will not only help you understand the project better but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or past PhD students in the field of neuroscience or neural engineering. They can provide insights into the application process and what to expect during your studies, which can be invaluable for your preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with computational methods and data analysis in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of projects or coursework where you've applied these skills, as they are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the supervisors, Dr Alexander Kraskov and Dr Luke Bashford, via email. Express your interest in the studentship and ask any questions you may have about the project. This shows initiative and can help you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Neurotechnology: Spatiotemporal Population Dynamics for Neural Decoding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the PhD studentship in Neurotechnology. Pay attention to the skills required, such as computational methods for data analysis, and ensure you can demonstrate relevant experience.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is crucial. Clearly articulate how your interests and experiences align with the project. Mention any relevant experience in data analysis and computational approaches, and be sure to include the studentship reference code BI095.
Prepare Your CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to highlight your qualifications related to neuroscience or neural engineering. Include any relevant research experience, skills, and academic achievements that support your application.
Follow Application Instructions Carefully: When applying through the Newcastle Portal, make sure to follow all instructions precisely. Select the correct options in the Course choice tab and ensure you provide the necessary documentation, including your personal statement and CV.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Showcase Your Passion for Neurotechnology
Make sure to express your genuine interest in neurotechnology and its applications in treating brain disorders. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Computational Skills
Since the role involves computational methods for data analysis, be prepared to discuss your experience with programming languages or software relevant to data analysis. Highlight any specific projects where you've applied these skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Current Research
Research recent advancements in neurotechnology and neural decoding. Being knowledgeable about current trends and breakthroughs will show your dedication and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could include inquiries about the research team's current projects, the methodologies they use, or how they envision the future of neurotechnology. It shows your proactive approach and genuine interest.