PhD Studentship in Neurotechnology: Closed-loop Neurostimulation to Control Neuronal Circuit Dynamics Newcastle University in United Kingdom

[100% of home tuition fees paid and an annual stipend of £21,805 (UKRI rate) plus funding for research training and conference attendance. International candidates must fund the difference between home and international fees.]

This PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to advance neurotechnology through closed-loop neurostimulation, aiming to control neuronal circuit dynamics. The project is based at the Centre for Transformative Neuroscience and is part of the Medical Research Council Centre for Restorative Neural Dynamics, a major collaboration involving Oxford University, Cardiff University, Imperial College London, and Great Ormond Street Hospital. The research aligns with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) programme ‘Precision 4D Control of Neocortical Circuit Function’ led by Newcastle University.

As a student, you will develop and test Brain-Computer Interface technologies to control brain stimulation in real-time. The project leverages computational models of neural networks to derive closed-loop control algorithms, which will be experimentally validated using non-invasive and intracortical electrode recordings. You will explore various neuromodulation modalities, including electrical and sensory stimulation, and even music synthesized in real-time based on brain activity. These techniques will be used to investigate causal relationships between brain oscillations and cognitive processes, with the goal of developing new therapies for conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety.

The studentship provides a highly interdisciplinary environment, embedding you with neurotechnologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians. You will apply computational and machine learning approaches to control theory problems, implement real-time digital signal processing algorithms, and gain hands-on experience with electrophysiological and behavioural neuroscience techniques.

Funding includes 100% of home tuition fees and an annual stipend of £21,805 (UKRI rate), plus support for research training and conference attendance. International candidates are welcome but must fund the difference between home and international fees. The award duration is three years, starting 21 September 2026.

Eligibility requires at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in engineering, neuroscience, or computer science. An MRes or equivalent is advantageous. Candidates must have or be willing to learn computational skills, and experience in real-time digital signal processing and/or control theory is beneficial. International/EU applicants may require an ATAS clearance certificate and must provide English language qualifications if English is not their first language.

To apply, use Newcastle University's Application Portal. Select 'Postgraduate Research', 'Full Time', year of entry 2026, course code 8420F, and choose 'PhD Biosciences (FT)'. Upload a personal statement with code 'BI080' in 'Studentship Reference'. No research proposal is required. Submit a covering letter, CV, degree transcripts/certificates, and English language qualification if applicable. The application deadline is 13 March 2026.

For further information, contact Professor Andrew Jackson at [email protected].