PhD position - Autumn 2014
Applications are invited for autumn 2014 entry to a 3 year PhD position (extendable to 4 years with some teaching duties) at the University of Edinburgh, using computational modelling techniques to study the neurons and systems involved in the regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis.
The position is within the School of Biomedical Sciences, in the Centre for Integrative Physiology. You will work alongside predominantly experimental scientists, although supervised by Prof Gareth Leng and Dr Duncan MacGregor, who have mathematical and computational backgrounds.
The lab is focussed on neuroendocrinology, studying the neural systems involved in hormonal regulation of the brain and body, centred on the hypothalamus and the pituitary. The neuroendocrine neurons are the most well studied cells in the brain, and present an ideal opportunity to use modelling to study information processing in neurons, and what role this processing plays in larger physiological systems.
Our current research focus is provided by a new multidisciplinary EU grant called ‘Nudge-it’. Its aim is to understand what controls our eating behaviour, with a view to being better able to influence this behaviour and contribute to tackling obesity.
The PhD project will use spiking neuron models, combined with higher level systems modelling to study the hypothalamic systems involved in energy homeostasis.
The candidate must have a good Honours degree (First, or high 2.i) or Masters in the fields of artificial intelligence, neuroinformatics, computing, neuroscience or physiology. The ideal candidate will have a good mathematical and computational background, including programming experience, combined with a strong interest in physiology and neuroscience.
This position is fully funded. Home tuition fees and a monthly stipend (currently £13,726 per annum) will be provided from a European Union FP7 programme-funded grant. The applicant must be a citizen of an EU member state.
How to apply
Candidates should send a motivation letter, a full CV, and names and contact information of at least two referees, to duncan.macgregor@ed.ac.uk. The application deadline is the 31st March 2014. Short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview (either face-to-face or via videoconference).
Please contact duncan.macgregor@ed.ac.uk for further information.
www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/integrative-physiology
Dr Duncan MacGregor
Centre for Integrative Physiology
University of Edinburgh
Hugh Robson Building
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9XD
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The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
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