About the Project
Sensory processing is regulated by diverse populations of interneurons that modulate excitatory neuronal activity to shape information transmission. Certain interneuron populations may also be key mediators of the vascular response to increased neuronal activity that matches blood flow to increases in neuronal energy requirements. Of the different types of interneuron, the most enigmatic is, perhaps, the population that expresses neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). These cells may increase blood flow but have an unknown role in information processing not only in sensory cortex but in upstream regions such as the hippocampus. To uncover their role in information processing, and to understand how they may help the brain to balance energy supply and demand, this project will investigate the conditions that lead to activation of nNOS neurons in sensory cortex and the hippocampus, and whether such conditions also increase local blood flow. The project will involve imaging the activity of nNOS interneurons, excitatory neurons and blood vessels in awake behaving mice navigating a virtual reality environment, while altering the sensory, spatial or contextual (novelty, reward state) information presented to the mice.
Applicant should have a background in neuroscience or a related discipline and some experience of programming for data analysis.
This project is offered as part of the newly created Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme entitled ’From Sensation and Perception to Awareness’, co-directed by Professor Jamie Ward and Professor Anil Seth at the University of Sussex. Successful applicant will receive a tax free stipend at Research Council rates (currently £14777 per annum), a Home/EU fee waiver and generous research and training costs.
On completion of their PhD, our programme alumni will be eligible to apply for one of several 12 month postdoctoral research fellowships at Sussex, available only to completing Leverhulme DSP scholars.
Our doctoral scholars will be immersed in an inter-disciplinary training environment including monthly seminars and an annual student-led conference on a topic related to the theme. A strong emphasis is placed on developing technical skills, and we will provide specialist training in areas such as programming. Students in this new scheme will benefit from links with existing research groups within Sussex such as Sussex Neuroscience and the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science.
How to apply
Full information about the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme can be found here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/sensation/applications
Applicant selecting the project above should develop this into a more detailed research proposal. Guidance on writing a research proposal can be found at https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply/tips-research-degrees/research-proposal. Applicant will need to apply through Sussex’s online PhD application form, https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply%20, to the PhD course linked to the department of your chosen supervisor (i.e. Catherine Hall, PhD Psychology, School of Psychology) and enter ’Leverhulme’ in the sources of funding box. Your completed application should include your project proposal, your CV, and any other information requested e.g. degree certificates and transcripts and English language qualifications.
You will also need to complete the Leverhulme Funding application. You can request this by emailing [Email Address Removed]
Timeline
31 January 2019 - Deadline for applications.
25 - 27 February - Interviews (note that all interviews will be conducted by the programme management committee, which is cross-disciplinary in nature).
4 March - Applicants notified regarding the outcome of their application.
Contacts
Any questions concerning this research project should be directed to Dr Catherine Hall: [Email Address Removed]
Any questions relating to the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme, or the application process, can be sent to Shelley Jenkins, Senior Doctoral School Coordinator, at [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes
Studentships offered under the Leverhulme DSP are competition funded. Successful applicant receive a studentship that covers UK/EU fees and a stipend at standard RCUK rates.
Applicants should be UK or EU citizens and should have/expect to have at least a 2:1 undergraduate honours degree. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is strongly desirable.
Applicants must have a willingness to participate in interdisciplinary training and seminars relating to 'sensation, perception, and awareness'.