PhD Studentship: Biocomputation by Neuronal Networks (BYRON) Oxford Brookes University in United Kingdom

[£20,780 per annum bursary; university fees at home rate covered; bench fees covered; visas and associated costs not covered.]

Oxford Brookes University is offering a fully funded 3-year, full-time PhD studentship titled 'Biocomputation by Neuronal Networks (BYRON)'. This opportunity is open to home, EU, and international students, with a generous bursary of £20,780 per annum, coverage of university fees at the home rate, and bench fees included. Please note that visa and associated costs are not covered. The application deadline is 20th February 2026, with interviews to be confirmed online, and the successful candidate will begin in September 2026.

The BYRON project aims to advance research into the mechanisms and algorithms for encoding information within a neurosphere, utilizing a third-party setup of living neurones on a multi-electrode array. The core objective is to develop reliable and robust methods for encoding arbitrary information for computation inside the neurosphere. The project will involve remote control and experimentation using the FinalSpark platform, alternating between experimental phases and data analysis/software development. The student will contribute to the creation of publicly available code and algorithms for controlling neuronal networks.

Supervised by Dr Tjeerd olde Scheper (Director of Studies) and Dr Alex Rast, the ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in mathematics, particularly dynamic systems and information theory, as well as advanced programming skills and experience in numerical analysis. An interest in neuroscience and computational modelling is highly desirable. The studentship also includes a teaching component, requiring up to 6 hours of teaching per week during semester time, including preparation and marking, and participation in a teaching skills course.

Eligibility requirements include a first or upper second-class honours degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification. International and EU applicants must provide a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and no score below 5.5, issued within the last 2 years. Applicants should be prepared to submit a cover letter, CV, details of two referees (at least one academic), a research proposal, degree certificates and transcripts, a passport scan, and evidence of English language proficiency if applicable.

To apply, candidates should submit their application directly via the Oxford Brookes University portal. For further information or queries, contact [email protected]. This studentship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of neuroscience, computation, and mathematics, within a supportive academic environment.