This fully funded PhD position at the University of Bristol, offered through the SWBio DTP (CASE) programme, investigates how sleep regulates emotional memory and behaviour, with a particular focus on psychiatric and neurological disorders such as PTSD and anxiety. The project explores the role of microarousals—brief wake intrusions during sleep—and their distinct patterns in REM and NREM sleep across different disorders. Using rodent models, the research will sensitise the amygdala-cortical circuit through behavioural paradigms and employ electrophysiological recordings to assess electrical biomarkers associated with behaviour. The project is multidisciplinary and international, involving collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim in Germany, and will test pharmacological agents like hydroxyzine, prazosin, and desipramine to modulate symptoms. Students will receive comprehensive training in in-vivo electrophysiology, behavioural analysis, molecular biology, computational methods, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics. The SWBio DTP supports students from diverse backgrounds, offering flexibility for personal circumstances and part-time study. The studentship covers a four-year duration, with an annual stipend of £20,780, full tuition, research costs, and additional funds for fieldwork, conferences, and placements. Up to 30% of studentships are available for international applicants. Applicants should have a strong academic background in relevant disciplines and meet English language requirements. The application deadline is December 3, 2025, and further details on funding and eligibility are available on the SWBio DTP website.