University of Exeter
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PhD Studentship: Virtual brain networks to guide deep brain stimulation in childhood epilepsy University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 8, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
PhD studentship at the University of Exeter on virtual brain networks to guide deep brain stimulation in childhood epilepsy.
This project addresses a major clinical challenge: many children with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite medication, and for those who are not helped by conventional surgery, implanted electrical stimulation can be one of the few remaining options. However, outcomes vary widely and there is still no principled way to decide where to stimulate or which settings to use for an individual patient.
The studentship develops patient-specific mathematical models of brain networks to help predict the effects of stimulation. Using multimodal imaging and patient recordings, you will construct virtual brain network models, implement and simulate stimulation within them, and compare the model predictions with measured clinical effects. The work sits at the intersection of mathematics, statistics, and computational neuroscience, with topics including nonlinear dynamics, network science, model and parameter inference, uncertainty quantification, physiological modelling of neurostimulation, and efficient simulation of large dynamical systems.
You will join a supportive research group at Exeter with established expertise in the mathematics of brain dynamics and work with clinicians in paediatric neurosurgery. This provides a rare opportunity to contribute to research with direct clinical relevance while gaining training in real-world applications of mathematical modelling and data-driven neuroscience.
The opportunity is open to applicants from mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, quantitative neuroscience, or related disciplines. Prior experience in neuroscience or clinical research is not required, and training will be provided.
Funding is provided by the EPSRC Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The studentship covers fees and includes a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/7.
Application deadline: 8 December 2026. Apply through the University of Exeter funding page.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have a background in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, quantitative neuroscience or a related discipline. Prior experience of neuroscience or clinical research is not required, and training will be provided. The post indicates informal enquiries are welcome; no specific GPA, degree classification, or English language test requirement is stated in the provided text.
How to apply
Apply via the University of Exeter funding application link. Review the full studentship details before applying and submit your application by 8 December 2026. If needed, make informal enquiries to the project team in advance.
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