4 Year MRC-Sackler PhD fellowships in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Closing Date
6 Jan 2021
Salary
Fully-funded studenthship
Address
King's College London
Duration
4 years

Project Information

The 4 year PhD Programme in Neurodevelopmental Disorders has a 1+3 structure, where the pivotal first year allows for a fully informed choice of doctoral project, as well as developing breadth and depth of knowledge in Developmental Neuroscience, and acquiring the general skills required for a successful PhD.

The first year of the 4-year PhD programme comprises the MRes in Neurodevelopmental Disorders course. Its major focus is three laboratory rotations, designed to give students a broad experience of research opportunities across King’s, with training in laboratory techniques and scientific communication to a range of audiences. In addition, students will benefit from a taught Neurodevelopmental disorders module covering topics from basic principles to the latest research, as well as interdisciplinary and transferable skills training.

Based on their experience in the three different laboratory rotations, students then choose their PhD supervisors and project at the end of the first year. For details of potential supervisors please see information under 'Group Leaders' on the Research tab and the tab 'What kind of projects?' on this page.

During years 2-4 students will work full-time towards the completion of a research thesis in neurodevelopmental disorders. To complement their research training, students also have access to a wide variety of transferable skills and networking opportunities across the wider neuroscience community. This includes the opportunity to undertake short-term placements in a network of collaborator laboratories elsewhere in the UK and in the US. This network includes David Amaral (UC Davis), Mark Cunningham (Newcastle University), Daniel Geschwind (UC Los Angeles), Paul Harrison (Oxford University), David Lewis (University of Pittsburgh), and Nenad Sestan (Yale University).

Entry Requirements

We are keen to attract individuals from a variety of backgrounds, and encourage applications from both biological and physical sciences, including clinicians, mathematicians and computer scientists.

Candidates should have or expect at least an upper second class degree (2:1) in a STEM subject. If applicants possess a lower second class (2:2) then a research-based MSc at merit or distinction level is required. English language competence criteria apply. At King’s, we are deeply committed to making the university an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work and study. We encourage and welcome applications from across the community and all appointments are made solely on merit.

Candidates must also meet a minimum English language level of Band D: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/entry-requirements/english-language

How to Apply

Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal by the closing date.

On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please enter the following programme name ‘Neurodevelopmental Disorders MRes / PhD 1+3 (Full-Time)’ and search.

In your application, you will be asked to include:

  • Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application
  • Details of your qualifications (you will need to attach copies)
  • Details of previous employment
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Please include this as an attachment rather than using the text box.
  • Academic References – all admissions applications require two supporting references which should support the application to both parts of the programme, MRes and PhD. If the applicant is relying on their referees to submit references directly to the College after they have submitted their admissions application, then the applicant must ensure that their chosen referees are made aware of the application closing date.
  • If relevant, English language test results. These are not required at the point of applying if you have not yet taken a test, however, if you are assessed as requiring this, any offer would be conditional on the provision of a test that meets the Band D requirement.
  • In the Funding section, please tick box 5 and include the following reference: SB-IOP-MRCS-21

Please note there is no need to complete the Research Proposal section in your application.

Contact Details

PhD coordinators: Dr Laura Andreae ( laura.andreae@kcl.ac.uk) and Dr Anthony Vernon (anthony.vernon@kcl.ac.uk).

Further Information

Further information can be found here: https://devneuro.org/cndd/mres-phd.php