Overview
Early Stage Researcher – Doctoral Candidate (PhD Student) – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
About Us
The successful candidate will join our new MSCA Doctoral Network: VISIONBRAIN – Cutting-edge Human In Vitro And In Silico Biomedical Tools On Brain Disorders. This EU-funded project will train 15 early-stage researchers to develop human-relevant neuroscience tools beyond animal models, advancing next-generation in vitro and in silico New Approach Methodologies for complex brain disorders.
We will host the successful candidate at the Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences (FANS), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London. The IoPPN aims to change and shape how we understand, prevent and treat mental health and other conditions that affect the brain. We work to transform care for people who are affected by mental health and neurological conditions, through world-class research, education and training, to serve communities locally and globally.
About the role
We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate to join us as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Candidate (fixed-term 3 years, 100%FTE) to develop computational models of the neonatal brain. The successful candidate will work on the intersection of neuroscience and new computational methods, combining mathematical and biophysical models with state-of-the-art diffusion and functional MRI data, in typically and atypically developing populations through the lifespan.
Note: The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/studies) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date, and must not already hold a PhD/doctoral degree.
About the project:
Using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) we are able to assess how brain regions are connected (structural connectivity) and communicate (functional connectivity). In this project we will use mathematical descriptions of neuronal spontaneous activity and network theory, to produce biologically plausible computational models of connectivity in the newborn brain, using state-of-the-art multimodal neonatal and adult MRI data. Computational models allow the inference of whole-brain neuronal dynamic characteristics underlying the association between local functional dynamics and structural connections. Such models help us integrate structural and functional networks, providing information not accessible using single modalities. Importantly, this approach needs to be reconsidered and adapted for the developing brain. To do so, we will use high-quality MRI data in a large cohort of infants (N~1000), including subgroups with clinical conditions. Our approach has the potential to deliver fundamental new insights into developing connectivity in typically and atypically developing individuals, improving our understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The role involves working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including academic and industry partners across Europe. This position is suited for an enthusiastic, curious and self-motivated individual willing to become a leader in the emerging field of computational neuroscience, i.e. embracing both computational/mathematical methods and applied neuroscience.
This is a full-time post, and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for 36 months. You will complete a PhD thesis, undertake mandatory secondments (3–6 months) with partner institutions, and participate in network-wide training events.
Applicants must meet all MSCA DN eligibility criteria at the time of recruitment:
- Doctoral Status Rule: The applicant must not already hold a PhD/doctoral degree.
- Mobility Rule: The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/studies) in the recruitment country (United Kingdom) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
- PhD Enrolment Requirement: The selected candidate must be eligible to enroll in the doctoral program at King’s College London.
What We Offer:
- 36-month MSCA employment contract
- MSCA allowances package (living + mobility; family allowance if applicable), in accordance with MSCA programme rules
- Comprehensive international training programme through the Doctoral Network (including courses, summer schools, and transferable skills training)
- Secondments with consortium partners
- Joint supervision and access to a multi-stakeholder ecosystem
Full details and official call documentation: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks
Direct link to the project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101227124
Applications must be submitted by the PhD route (you can apply through HR too if you decide to submit both applications, but we need all candidates registered through King’s Apply): https://apply.kcl.ac.uk
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
