The University of Edinburgh invites applications to the new Wellcome Trust 4-year PhD programme in Translational Neuroscience: Lifecourse influences on human brain health.

We are currently offering up to 8 studentships to start in September 2019.

Created and delivered by Edinburgh Neuroscience, this programme will train non-clinical students to combine cutting-edge experimental technologies (e.g. cellular, regenerative, computational, genetic, animal modelling) and analytical tools, with comprehensive knowledge of the clinical brain research environment. By doing so, we intend to equip students with the distinct skills required to bridge the knowledge gap between the design, execution and interpretation of cellular experiments and the challenges of experimental medicine.

This prestigious, and innovative, research and training programme will focus on the advancement of knowledge, expertise and skills in clinical translation and will draw on Edinburgh’s unique research strengths in diseases across the life-course.

Programme Structure

During the first year, the students will undertake three research projects, each from a different stage of the life-course from development, through to adolescence/adulthood, and, finally, old age/degeneration. In parallel students will undertake a bespoke training programme that will partner clinical and basic researchers to deliver a range of tutorials and seminars that will lead to an appreciation, and understanding, of life-course disorders and the methodologies used to investigate them. These sessions will provide an opportunity to integrate knowledge from across basic and clinical disciplines and provide a deeper understanding of research at the interface of the bench and the bedside.

Drawing on their experience during the rotation projects, students will develop their own, bespoke, PhD projects towards the end of year one. Students will be co-supervised throughout their PhD by a basic and clinical researcher. During years 2 and 3 there will be continued coaching in life-course disorders/methodologies, building on the year 1 activities. Students will then submit their PhD thesis dissertation by the end of year 4.

Interdisciplinary community

Edinburgh Neuroscience brings together neuroscience researchers from across the University of Edinburgh, from fundamental, clinical, psychological and informatics arenas to provide an outstanding collegiate and dynamic environment in which to undertake cutting-edge research. We are perfectly placed to provide a unique training experience that encourages interaction across disciplines and the life-course.

Application Procedure

We would like to invite applications from outstanding students who wish to develop and advance translational neuroscience research. A generous tax-free stipend, research costs and tuition fees at the home/EU rate are provided. Students require a BSc Hons (at least upper second class) or equivalent in an appropriate discipline (e.g. biomedical sciences, psychology).

You can find out more information on our PhD programme webpages.

Applications are submitted using the application form available on our website.

Closing date is Friday 30 November 2018

Interview date: Thursday 10 January 2019