"PhD Studentship in Neurotechnology - Closed-loop neurostimulation to control neuronal circuit dynamics"

Newcastle University

Award Summary

100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend (living expenses) of £21,805 (26-27 UKRI rate) & funding for research training and conference attendance. Successful international candidates will be required to fund the difference between the home fees and international fees.

Overview

Are you interested in developing Brain-Computer Interface technologies to control brain stimulation in real-time? This project will use computational models of neural networks to derive closed-loop control algorithms to modulate oscillatory dynamics in brain circuits. You will test these algorithms experimentally by delivering brain stimulation controlled by non-invasive and/or intracortical electrode recordings. You will investigate a variety of neuromodulation modalities from electrical to sensory stimulation, including music synthesized in real-time based on brain activity. You will use these techniques to explore causal relationships between brain oscillations and cognitive processes and develop new therapies suitable for conditions like chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety.

Based at the Centre for Transformative Neuroscience in Newcastle University, you will be part of the Medical Research Council Centre for Restorative Neural Dynamics, a major new collaboration also including researchers at Oxford University, Cardiff University, Imperial College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Your project also aligns with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) programme ‘Precision 4D Control of Neocortical Circuit Function’ led by Newcastle University. You will be embedded with neurotechnologists, neuroscientists and clinicians in a highly interdisciplinary environment. You will apply computational and machine learning approaches to control theory problems, implement real-time digital signal processing algorithms and gain experience of a variety of electrophysiological and behavioural neuroscience techniques.

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

21 September 2026

Award Duration

3 years

Application Closing Date

13th March 2026

Sponsor

Newcastle University, Faculty of Medical Sciences

Supervisors

Professor Andrew Jackson
Dr Yuki Kikuchi

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent, in a subject relating to engineering, neuroscience or computer science. Further qualification such as an MRes is advantageous. The candidate must have/be willing to learn computational skills. Experience of real-time digital signal processing and/or control theory is advantageous.

The studentship covers fees at the home rate. However international/EU applicants will also be considered, they will be required to fund the difference between the home and international fees. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Application Portal: https://applyto.newcastle.ac.uk/

In ‘Course choice’ tab:
Type of Study - ‘Postgraduate Research’
Mode of Study - ‘Full Time’
Year of Entry - ‘2026’
Course code ‘8420F’
Research Area – Leave Blank
Press ‘Search’
Select ‘PhD Biosciences (FT)’ and save selection.

Upload:
A document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘BI080’ in ‘Studentship Reference’.
When prompted for a research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required.
A covering letter & CV, stating how your interests and experience relate to the project.
Degree transcripts/certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if completed must be uploaded.

Contact Details

Prof Andrew Jackson
Biosciences Institute
andrew.jackson@ncl.ac.uk