Fully funded PhD student: Brain-wide multimodal interrogation of Alzheimer’s disease pathology

Vacancy Reference Number

NA

Closing Date

2 Mar 2025

Salary

UKRI rates

Address

Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde

Duration

3 years

A fully funded 3-year PhD studentship is available to work with Prof Shuzo Sakata at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. Our group has been investigating state-dependent and cell-type-specific information processing in the brain by employing a diverse array of advanced techniques, including in vivo high-density electrophysiological recording, calcium imaging, optogenetics, chemogenetics and deep learning-based behavioural analysis. In this PhD project, we aim to explore how Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology impacts state-dependent and cell-type-specific brain activity and investigate the potential of neuromodulation to ameliorate abnormal cell-type-specific dynamics in an AD mouse model. The project comprises two key phases: first, using a multi-fibre array imaging system, we will assess how amyloid pathology alters neuronal and non-neuronal calcium dynamics across multiple brain regions and sleep-wake cycles in an AD mouse model. Second, we will examine the effects of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques on aberrant cell-type-specific calcium dynamics as well as amyloid pathology. In collaboration with the second supervisor, Dr Yashar Moshfeghi from the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, this project will leverage cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and Data Science approaches for data analysis and modelling. Additionally, the student will be part of the group in the newly launched Centre for Neurotechnology at the University of Strathclyde, fostering interdisciplinary interactions with researchers in systems neuroscience, neurophotonics and AI science.

Further Information

This project is supported by the prestigious Strathclyde John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme. Candidates should hold or expect to obtain an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Neuroscience or a related field. Prior experience with coding (Python or MATLAB) and/or in vivo experimental techniques is advantageous.

For more details, please refer to the following website:
https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/postgraduateresearchphdopportunities/science/strathclydeinstituteofpharmacybiomedicalsciences/brain-widemultimodalinterrogationofalzheimersdiseasepathology/

Contact Details

In the first instance, candidates may send their application to Prof Shuzo Sakata (shuzo.sakata@strath.ac.uk), including a CV and a cover letter, detailing their motivation for this PhD project, research experience and career aspirations.

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