This PhD project at the University of Nottingham offers an exciting opportunity to develop and apply advanced magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques to investigate neurochemical changes in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The research aims to create sensitive, non-invasive imaging methods to measure brain metabolism and neurochemistry, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets for dementia.

The successful candidate will focus on optimizing rapid proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) and 31P chemical shift imaging (CSI) at 7 Tesla, targeting metabolites relevant to early neurodegenerative disease. You will join the BiTAN (Brain Iron Toxicity and Neurodegeneration) study team, which has already demonstrated changes in hippocampal volume and tissue properties in MCI. Your work will involve scanning BiTAN study participants to compare neurochemical profiles between MCI patients with and without early AD diagnosis.

Collaboration is a key aspect of this project. You will be based at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre in Nottingham and work closely with colleagues at the University of Leicester, who will support recruitment of a diverse participant group. A particular focus will be on patients with high BMI or type 2 diabetes, allowing investigation of metabolic syndrome’s impact on neuroinflammation in MCI and AD.

Supervision will be provided by Prof. Penny Gowland (University of Nottingham), Akram A. Hosseini, and Elizabeta B. Mukaetova-Ladinska (University of Leicester), offering expertise in MR imaging, neurodegeneration, and clinical recruitment. The project is fully funded by the Medical Research Council, covering a 4-year studentship with stipend, tuition fees (home and international rates), laptop allowance, research training and support grant (£5,000 per annum), and travel allowance (£300 per annum).

Applicants should have a strong background in physics, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or biology. Experience with MR imaging or spectroscopy is advantageous. International candidates are welcome, though recruitment is capped at 30% of the cohort. The application deadline is January 9, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the MRC AIM website or contact Prof. Penny Gowland for project-specific enquiries.

References supporting the research context include recent studies on MR spectroscopy in Alzheimer’s disease and advanced imaging techniques. This project is ideal for candidates interested in translational neuroscience, biomedical imaging, and the development of new diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases.