PhD Studentship: Investigating the role of cerebellar-midbrain projections in emotional contributions to pain - PhD (funded)

University of Exeter - HLS

The experience of pain is dynamic beyond nociceptive signalling, affected by emotional, motivational and cognitive factors. This PhD project aims to investigate the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that underlie such factors to ultimately target these relationships therapeutically. Specifically, this project will investigate how the cerebellum contributes to affective states in pain, through its interactions with different midbrain regions.

The successful candidate will use a variety of systems neuroscience techniques in rodent models to interrogate neural circuits underlying affective behaviour. Key techniques will include behavioural paradigms in combination with electrophysiology and targeted manipulation of specific pathways.

We encourage students interested in how neural circuits contribute to changes in behaviour, pain neuroscience or the neuroscience of emotional control to apply.

Please contact Dr C Lawrenson (c.l.lawrenson2@exeter.ac.uk) prior to submission to discuss the project and how your interests align.