Neurophysiology and behaviour in neurodevelopmental disorder models

About the Project

There are a number of neurodevelopmental disorders which give rise to autism and intellectual disability in humans. Though in some instances their genetic basis is well understood, little is known about how these disorders alter brain function.

This Ph.D. offers the opportunity to address this question. The current project will use neurophysiological and behavioural testing of newly developed rodent models of three conditions (Scn2a^+/-, Arid1b^+/-, and Grin2b^+/- rats). We will use high density neural recording to assess the behaviour of neural representations of the outside world – for which little is known.

The Ph.D. is part of a larger project funded by the Simons Foundation in its Autism Rats Consortium. It is fully funded, and the research will take place in laboratories at the University of Edinburgh.

Students with a background in neuroscience or physiological psychology are particularly encouraged to apply.

Techniques undertaken in this project include:

• Silicone probe recordings in freely moving rats
• Development of behavioural tasks
• Analysis of electrophysiology data

Enquiries

Informal enquiries about the project can be made to Prof Paul Dudchenko p.a.dudchenko@stir.ac.uk

Application deadline of 12th June with an expected start date of September or October 2026.

How to apply

Please contact Prof Dudchenko with any application enquiries.

Full applications should be submitted via our online portal: How to apply for our research degrees

4) Select the course ‘PhD Psychology’

5) Your online application must include the following documents:

• Brief Research proposal of no more than 1500 words
• Academic Qualifications transcripts
• English Language Qualification (if applicable)
• 2 Academic References

Funding Notes

This full time studentship provides funding for 3.5 years including a full stipend set at the minimum UKRI annual award for 2026/27 (£21,805 p.a) and covers full tuition fees. The studentship also covers both home and international student fees.

Length of award is 3.5 years FTE

Funding is provided by The Simons Foundation

Initial closing date of 12th June, with an expected start date of September or October 2026.