Dr N Harrison, Dr J Eccles, Prof K Davies
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
ME/CFS is an important neurological disorder associated with severe fatigue and post-exertional malaise, autonomic dysfunction and chronic pain. It is frequently triggered/ exacerbated by infections. Previous research has linked symptom expression to altered functional connectivity within fronto-parietal networks. However, it remains unclear why acute infections trigger and exacerbate symptoms
This project will build on other work within the lab to investigate how acute inflammation acts on the brain to exacerbate symptoms in ME/CFS. Specifically, the successful candidate will combine state-of-the-art HCP (Human Connectome Project) resting state fMRI and blood transcriptomic analyses to investigate how acute inflammation contributes to experienced pain and fatigue. Effects on autonomic and interoceptive function will also be explored.
The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Neil Harrison, Dr Jessica Eccles and Prof Kevin Davies and will work closely with collaborators in the Brighton Genomics Centre. They will have access to cutting-edge neuroimaging technology and analytics, including a 3T Siemens Prisma MRI scanner, high-resolution structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, peripheral psychophysiology, and blood transcriptomics. The studentship will offer training in neuroimaging techniques and analysis of high-dimensional transcriptomic data, as well as a host of transferable skills delivered through the University’s Doctoral School (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/doctoral).
Funding Notes
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual with a strong undergraduate degree in psychology, biology or neuroscience and ideally an MSc/MRes in Neuroscience or similar. Research experience in cognitive neuroscience methods and/or neuroimaging or transcriptomic analyses is highly desirable. Prior experience with human research is essential. The project will offer excellent opportunities for collaboration, and provide the successful candidate with the critical skills and experience to make them a highly competitive candidate for a postdoctoral research position in the field of clinical neuroscience.
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