Investigating Neuronal Circuits Underlying Reward-Related Behaviour

The School of Psychology is pleased to offer a funded studentship for October 2012 entry to its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme. The studentship will pay full-time University UK/EU tuition fees for 3.5 years (with the possibility of funding for a further six months subject to performance) and include a tax-free annual maintenance grant worth at least £13,590 a year.

Research Areas and Supervision

The successful applicant will be part of a collaborative project between the University of Leicester and the MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit at the University of Oxford to study the spatial and temporal organisation of neuronal circuits underlying behaviour.

The successful applicant will conduct electrophysiological experiments on wild-type and transgenic rodents to record the activity from subcortical neuron ensembles during performing behaviour and during sleep. Experience with electrophysiology or neuronal data analysis is preferred, but not essential. Experience with Matlab or other programming environments would also be an advantage.

The successful applicant will be supervised by Dr Todor Gerdjikov (University of Leicester) and Dr Juan Mena-Segovia (University of Oxford).

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a first-class or high upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in neurosciences or a relevant discipline and meet the University's standard English language entry requirements. Applicants with an undergraduate and/or Masters degree in physics, engineering, or maths and experience in electrophysiology are particularly encouraged to apply.

This studentship is open to suitable UK/EU and International (i.e., outside the EU) applicants. Please note though that the award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only. International applicants (and those not eligible to pay UK/EU tuition fees) must demonstrate at the time of their application that they can fund the difference in tuition fee rates.

The studentship is for full-time study only and applicants must be able to commence their studies in October 2012.

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries are welcomed - please contact:

• Dr Todor Gerdjikov
• tvg3@le.ac.uk
• Tel. +44 (0)116 229 7190

Apply Now

To apply, simply follow our three-point checklist:

1. Draft a brief personal statement explaining why you would like to work in this area and describing any relevant research experience (including any research projects that you have undertaken - for example, as part of a previous degree - and listing any academic work you have published or which is currently in press awaiting publication). Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words.
2. Prepare your supporting documents - including a full Curriculum Vitae
3. Submit your online application or apply by post

The studentship will remain open until filled - however early application is encouraged.

IMPORTANT - In the Fees and Financial Support section of the application, you must state that you wish to be considered for this "PhD Studentship Psychology Ref. MBSP-12/09"

Postgraduate Research at the University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is one of the UK's leading universities, committed to international excellence through the creation of world changing research and high quality, inspirational teaching. In 2008/2009 we were named the Times Higher Education's University of the Year, with the judges describing us as "elite without being elitist".

• Our Research Reputation
• Our Research Community
• Our Facilities
• A Diverse and Exciting City
• School of Psychology Website