[Comp-neuro] PhD programme in Neural Dynamics at Bristol

Dear Colleagues,

4-year PhD programme in Neural Dynamics at the University of Bristol is
inviting applications for studentships fully funded by the Wellcome
Trust. More information about the programme is available below.

Best wishes,

Rafal Bogacz

Why investigate neural dynamics?
A vital key to comprehending the brain is to understand how the complex
changes in activity occurring at all levels of neural organization give
rise to normal brain function. Furthermore, understanding of normal
brain activity will allow us to investigate abnormalities of neural
dynamics that underlie many neurological and psychiatric disorders (e.g.
epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia).

Understanding neural dynamics requires interdisciplinary approaches that
span many neuroscience areas, but crucially, depends on integration of
experimental and clinical approaches with mathematical and computational
expertise. This PhD programme trains a future generation of
neuroscientists to successfully combine experimental and theoretical
techniques in their research.

Structure of the programme
First year: students attend taught courses to gain an understanding of
the biology of the nervous system and the ability to describe systems
dynamics in mathematical models. Students carry out two extended
research projects, each investigating dynamics in a different neural
system. Each project is co-advised by one experimental or clinical
neuroscientist and one mathematician or computer scientist.
Subsequent years: Students develop one of the initial projects into a
PhD project for the remaining 3 years.

Who are we looking for?
Applicants will have a 1st class/2.1 degree or a Masters in a biomedical
science discipline or a relevant theoretical discipline (mathematics,
computer science or physics). Crucially, we are looking for talented and
motivated students willing to take up the many challenges in neural
dynamics and who are open to learning about new disciplines and working
across different fields.

Why study at Bristol?
Bristol has one of the largest concentrations of neuroscientists in
Europe and is a major centre for basic and clinical neuroscience. The
University of Bristol is an acknowledged world leader in many key areas
of neural dynamics from both an experimental and theoretical
perspective: Our research spans molecular, cellular and systems levels
of neuroscience. Together with experts in systems dynamics, based in the
Departments of Engineering Mathematics, Mathematics, Computer Science
and the Bristol Robotics Lab we can provide considerable scope for
ground breaking integrative research projects.

How to apply:
Application process: Please apply online at
http://www.bris.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/2012/apply.html

Please ensure you include a CV, and two referees plus a cover letter
outlining your own neuroscience interests by 3rd January 2013.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to our interview/open day on 31st
January.
The Wellcome Trust provides a stipend and PhD registration fees at UK/EU
student rate, research expenses, contribution towards travel and a
contribution towards transferable-skills training. The Wellcome Trust
does not pay fees at the overseas rate.

For further information contact: Lindsey Watson, Graduate Administration
Manager, Faculty of Medical and Veterinary Sciences Graduate School
(Lindsey.Watson@bris.ac.uk)

Further info on for applicants can be found at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/neuroscience/postgrad/pg-phds/neural-dynamics/
Also see the website of this PhD programme at:
http://www.cs.bris.ac.uk/Research/NeuralDynamics/
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