At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on schizophrenia treatments and develop your own cognitive project.
- Company: Join UCL, a leading institution in neuroscience and innovation.
- Benefits: Receive a stipend of £22,780 and gain invaluable research experience.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: Degree in computational/mental health neuroscience or related field; programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22780 - 22780 £ per year.
UCL is world-renowned for neuroscience. The post will be based in the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, an inter-disciplinary institute. Prof Rick Adams is a leader in Computational Psychiatry – the application of computational methods to psychiatric neuroscience. He is a Group Leader in the ICN and runs the Translational Computational Psychiatry lab.
The primary purpose of this PhD position is to conduct an experimental medicine study of a glutamatergic treatment for schizophrenia. A research assistant will be employed for two years to help drive recruitment. Patients with schizophrenia will undergo an MEG scan comprising auditory oddball, 40Hz stimulation and resting paradigms. From these we will infer baseline excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) function in cortex. The patients will then take an NMDA receptor-modulating medication for one month, and their cognition and symptoms will be reassessed. The research question is: does baseline E/I function predict response to glutamatergic medication at one month? The secondary purpose of the PhD project is for the student to develop their own side project; most likely a cognitive paradigm that can be performed by patients in the study.
The candidate will have a (nearly) completed degree in computational/mental health neuroscience, physics, engineering or similar, and be eligible for UK Home Student fees. They will need experience in scientific programming (e.g. Matlab, Python), and a strong academic record, including a completed degree research project. Desired criteria include a Masters in neuroscience/related field, interest in mental health (especially schizophrenia), and experience with M/EEG.
The award covers UK fees and stipend only, with no fees covered in the 4th year (for writing up). Funding will cease once the PhD is submitted. 2025/26 Stipend: London - £22,780.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
PhD Studentship in Translational Computational Psychiatry employer: UCL
UCL is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to pioneering research in neuroscience and fostering a collaborative work culture within the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. As a PhD student, you will benefit from unparalleled mentorship under leading experts like Prof Rick Adams, access to cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities for personal and professional growth in a diverse and inclusive environment that values creativity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Translational Computational Psychiatry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members at UCL. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini-presentation or portfolio showcasing your programming projects in Matlab or Python. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your passion for mental health. Think about how your background in neuroscience ties into the research on schizophrenia, and be prepared to share your thoughts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Translational Computational Psychiatry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for computational psychiatry shine through. We want to see why you're excited about this field and how your background aligns with our research goals.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in scientific programming and any projects related to mental health. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their skills in Matlab or Python, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Explain how your academic journey has prepared you for this PhD position and what unique perspectives you can bring to our team at UCL.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the specifics of the research project you'll be involved in. Familiarise yourself with glutamatergic treatments and their implications for schizophrenia. Being able to discuss the experimental medicine study and its methodologies will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your experience in scientific programming, especially with Matlab or Python. Prepare examples of past projects where you applied these skills, particularly in neuroscience contexts. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency and relevance to the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the lab's current projects, the team dynamics, or how they envision your side project fitting into the overall research. This shows your enthusiasm and engagement with the position.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Mental Health
Express your interest in mental health, particularly in relation to schizophrenia. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive your passion for this field. This personal touch can make a lasting impression on the interviewers.
