Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

The University of Manchester

  (MRC DTP CASE) Precision modelling approaches to understand variance in brain plasticity

  , ,  Friday, November 15, 2024  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

Life expectancy in the UK has increased by roughly 30 years in the past century and, combined with a decrease in fertility rates, has led to a proportional increase in middle/older aged adults. Understanding the cognitive and behavioural factors of healthy ageing, in terms of features linked to higher quality of life, is therefore increasingly critical. In this work, the student will develop and use a range of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and data analysis techniques to build computational models from neuroimaging and lifestyle data that identify the role of factors that confer cognitive resilience during ageing. Specifically, they will build computational models of brain plasticity, using data from large-scale epidemiological projects (e.g. the UK Biobank and Human Connectome Project) and structural, functional, and neurochemical data from experimental MRI research. 

Throughout this project, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a thriving academic environment. They will join a large active research group with multidisciplinary expertise. They will actively contribute to lab groups, seminars and be able to present their findings at national and international conferences. They will also have the opportunity to work in the UK Biobank, developing analysis pipelines for MRI data. This will give them training in both academic and industry settings.   

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/nils.muhlert  

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/caroline.lea-carnall 

Eligibility 

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline.  

Before you Apply 

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.  

How to Apply 

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form you must select MRC DTP PhD Programme. If you select the incorrect programme your application cannot be considered. Full details on how to apply can be found on the MRC DTP website. 

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  If you have any queries regarding making an application, please contact our admissions team.  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion  

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website. 

Biological Sciences (4) Computer Science (8) Mathematics (25) Medicine (26) Psychology (31)

Funding Notes

This is a 4 year CASE studentship in partnership with UK Biobank. This covers tuition fees and an annual stipend. This does not include any costs associated with relocation.


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Where will I study?

Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Tackle real world challenges, make a difference, and elevate your career with postgraduate research in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at Manchester. From biochemistry to neuroscience, cancer sciences to medicine, audiology to mental health and everything in between, we offer a wide range of postgraduate research projects, programmes and funding which will allow you to immerse yourself in an area of research you’re passionate about.

Why study at Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health?

Ranked the best place to live in the UK (The Economist Global Liveability Index, 2022), Manchester boasts world-class culture, iconic sports, a thriving music and food scene, and much more. It's not just a place to research, it's a place to call home.

Experience PhD life as part of a diverse postgraduate research community of more than 1,000 postgraduate researchers at the 29th most international university in the world (Times Higher Education, 2023).

With 93% of research activity at the University rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), you'll get the chance to have an impact on global health and science challenges.

1000+

postgraduate students

221

PhDs

6

ranked in UK - QS (2025)

Manchester  United Kingdom

main campus

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About Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

At Manchester, postgraduate researchers are at the heart of our mission to tackle pressing global challenges in biological, medical and healthcare sciences - and you could be too.

By choosing Manchester for your postgraduate research, you’ll be joining a university with an exceptional research reputation, where 93% of research is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2021) and where your work will have real-world impact.

You’ll research in world-class facilities alongside leading experts at the forefront of innovation, collaborating across disciplines to pioneer new treatments, advance scientific knowledge, and improve healthcare globally.

Supported by our dedicated Doctoral Academy and strong industry links, you'll experience PhD life in a vibrant, welcoming and diverse postgraduate research community.

And you’ll leave with the specialist knowledge, research experience and transferable skills that will shape your future in academia, research or industry.





Main campus

The University of Manchester

Manchester

North West

United Kingdom

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