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University of Bristol

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Funded PhD in Brain-Activity-Based Non-Invasive Stimulation for Movement Disorders University of Bristol in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Psychology

Funding

Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Funding includes UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available.

Deadline

Oct 21, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Bristol

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Keywords

Psychology
Biomedical Engineering
Parkinson's Disease
Eeg
Neuropsychology
Medical Science
Movement Disorders
Dystonia

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About this position

Funded PhD project at the University of Bristol in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience on brain-activity-based non-invasive stimulation techniques for movement disorders.

This project sits at the intersection of neuroscience, medical science, and biomedical engineering. It focuses on dystonia and Parkinson’s disease, two neurological movement disorders linked to excessive neural synchronisation. The research compares two personalised closed-loop stimulation strategies: vibrotactile stimulation (VTS) delivered via somatosensory pathways, and high-definition transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) targeting cortical regions. The aim is to determine which approach is more effective at reducing pathological network synchronisation and improving symptoms.

The project includes developing closed-loop tES protocols, testing different cortical targets, applying stimulation in Parkinson’s disease, and exploring longer-term efficacy in responders. It also involves EEG-based artefact filtering, computational modelling, patient stratification, and co-design of long-term testing protocols with patients. The work has a strong translational and mechanistic focus, with potential relevance for personalised, non-invasive therapies.

Funding: UK tuition fees plus a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27), with additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per year.

Eligibility / fit: Suitable for candidates interested in neuroscience, movement disorders, brain stimulation, EEG, and human experimental research. The post describes a competitive funded PhD project for students worldwide.

Application window: Apply via the GW4 BioMed website by 5:00pm on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be notified from 22 December 2026, with virtual interviews on 26–27 January 2027 and a planned start date of 1 October 2027.

Funding details

Funded PhD studentship through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Funding includes UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available.

What's required

Applicants should be interested in neuroscience, movement disorders, and brain stimulation methods. The project involves developing and testing closed-loop vibrotactile stimulation and high-definition transcranial electrical stimulation, working with EEG artefact filtering, patient stratification, computational modelling, and controlled behavioural tasks. The student will co-design protocols with patients and should be comfortable with translational, interdisciplinary research.

How to apply

Review the list of GW4 BioMed projects on the GW4 BioMed website and select up to two projects. Submit one application per candidate through the online application form linked from the website by 5:00pm on 21 October 2026. If shortlisted, attend a virtual interview in January 2027 and later apply for an offer to study at the chosen institution.

More information can be found here

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