Large scale population functional connectomic parcellation and individual variation

(4 year MRes + PhD studentship)

This project is on offer in the Imperial College EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Neurotechnology for Life and Health. See https://www.findaphd.com/search/PhDDetails.aspx?CAID=2386&LID=112 for all projects available.

Supervisors: Paul Matthews (Medicine), Yi-ke Guo (Computing)

Brains of different people are very similar, yet thinking, emotions, decision making and behaviours vary markedly. What accounts for this? This project will build on advances in signal processing methods for functional magnetic resonance imaging data to better define ways of using patterns of brain use to differentiate people. It will use newly available, very large brain imaging datasets (including the UK Biobank, which intends to acquire 100,000 brain images for researchers over the next 5 years) and associated, detailed descriptions of individual variation to discover ways in individual differences in brain organisation. The work will lead to a deep understanding of cognitive neuroscience, as well as methods for time series analyses, signal processing, computational methods and high dimensional data visualisation.

The CDT programme is not a standard PhD programme. Throughout the 4 years, there is considerable emphasis upon multidisciplinary and transferable skills, through centre activities beyond the individual research project. The programme cannot be taken without the first (MRes Neurotechnology) year, as it is an integral part of the overall programme.

Applicants should have (or be expecting) a first or upper second class degree (or non-UK equivalent) in an engineering or physical science subject. Students with a biological and medical sciences background may be considered, but candidates must have sufficient quantitative skills to thrive in the programme. You should be looking for a challenging, multi-disciplinary PhD at the interface of neuroscience and engineering.

To apply online, visit www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt/apply/

If you have questions or would like further information about the project, we encourage you to contact the supervisors directly before making your formal application.