Inflammation and vascular disease in very late onset psychosis.

About the Project

Are you interested in the intersection of mental health, dementia and cutting-edge neuroscience? This PhD offers a unique opportunity to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying very late onset psychosis (VLOP), a common but understudied condition affecting older adults, that is associated with future dementia risk.

VLOP is defined as a first episode of psychosis after the age of 60 years. Working within the Cognitive Problems in Ageing and Psychosis study, you will explore how inflammation and vascular disease contribute to VLOP. This project combines advanced neuroimaging and targeted plasma proteomics to better understand the pathways linking psychosis, cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.

You will undertake clinical research assessments, including applying scales assessing cognition and psychosis, gaining valuable translational research experience. You will also develop skills in the analysis of multishell diffusion tensor MRI, and a novel plasma proteomic panel measuring inflammatory, vascular and neurodegenerative markers. The project provides training in advanced analytical approaches including R, Python, FSL and SPM, as well as longitudinal data modelling.

The supervisory team brings complementary expertise in clinical dementia research, proteomics, MRI analysis and complex longitudinal statistics. You will receive integrated, supportive supervision and benefit from working within a well-established research programme focused on ageing, neurodegeneration and mental health.

You will be embedded within the Lewy Body Lab, which recently received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize, and the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre Dementia, Mental Health and Neurodegeneration Theme. These groups bring together clinicians, neuroscientists, imaging specialists and data scientists, providing a highly collaborative and supportive environment with regular lab meetings and opportunities to present your work. You will also benefit from the wider infrastructure of the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), which provides access to world-class facilities, patient cohorts, methodological expertise and translational research networks.

This studentship is ideal for applicants with a background in psychology and related disciplines who are motivated to apply quantitative methods to clinically meaningful questions. Applicants should have excellent communication skills, enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to develop new skills.

By the end of the PhD, you will have developed highly transferable skills in proteomic analysis, neuroimaging analysis and longitudinal data modelling, positioning you strongly for careers in academia, clinical research, data science or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology sector.

This project offers the chance to contribute to a growing field with significant clinical relevance and real potential to inform precision medicine approaches in later-life mental health.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.