PhD Studentship in Translational Computational Psychiatry, London

UCL is world-renowned for neuroscience. The post will be based in the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, an inter-disciplinary institute. Prof Rick Adams is a leader in Computational Psychiatry – the application of computational methods to psychiatric neuroscience. He is a Group Leader in the ICN and runs the Translational Computational Psychiatry lab.

The primary purpose of this PhD position is to conduct an experimental medicine study of a glutamatergic treatment for schizophrenia. NB a research assistant will be employed for two years to help drive recruitment. Patients with schizophrenia will undergo an MEG scan comprising auditory oddball, 40Hz stimulation and resting paradigms. From these we will infer baseline excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) function in cortex. The patients will then take an NMDA receptor-modulating medication for one month, and their cognition and symptoms will be reassessed. The research question is: does baseline E/I function predict response to glutamatergic medication at one month? The secondary purpose of the PhD project is for the student to develop their own side project; most likely a cognitive paradigm that can be performed by patients in the study.

The candidate will have a (nearly) completed degree in computational/mental health neuroscience, physics, engineering or similar, and be eligible for UK Home Student fees. They will need experience in scientific programming (e.g. Matlab, Python), and a strong academic record, including a completed degree research project. Desired criteria include a Masters in neuroscience/related field, interest in mental health (especially schizophrenia), and experience with M/EEG.

The award covers UK fees and stipend only, with no fees covered in the 4th year (for writing up). Funding will cease once the PhD is submitted. 2025/26 Stipend: London - £22,780

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.