Development of non-invasive deep brain stimulation technology

(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

Supervisors: Nir Grossman (Electrical & Electronic Engineering), Bill Wisden (Life Sciences), Paul Matthews (Medicine)

Physical means of brain stimulation, such as the use of implanted electrodes for deep brain stimulation (DBS), are a non-pharmacological means to probe and treat dysfunctional neural networks through direct control of circuit activity. DBS is used around the world to treat patients with severe movement and affective disorders but the risk from inserting electrodes into the brain limits the therapeutic impact of DBS and makes the exploration of new brain targets difficult. The overall aim of this PhD project is to develop a technology for non-invasive, arbitrary focal DBS in multiple brain regions to pave the way for new experimental frontiers and DBS therapies with reduced risk for patients.

The CDT programme is not a standard PhD programme; it begins with a one-year MRes in Neurotechnology, which comprises 3 months of taught courses followed by the MRes research project. Students then enter the PhD phase having developed the interdisciplinary and technical skills to thrive in a cutting edge research environment, and make the most impact with their PhD. Throughout the 4 years, there is considerable emphasis upon multidisciplinary and transferrable skills, through centre activities beyond the individual research project. More details on the CDT can be found at http://www.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt.

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 (depending on the individual project) 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.