Reference Code: IN058
Closing Date: 11th August 2013
Details: Name of the supervisors Dr A Jackson Professor S Baker, Movement Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience
Sponsor Medical Research Council (MRC)
Duration of the award
4 years (MRes Neuroscience followed by a three-year PhD)
Project description
Loss of upper-limb function is a devastating consequence of many strokes and spinal cord injuries. We have recently demonstrated that spinal stimulation can generate functional movements of the paralysed arm and hand (Zimmermann et al. J Neural Eng 2011) and by linking such stimulation to brain activity we can restore simple voluntary movements. This PhD project will build on previous work to develop advanced Brain-Machine Interface and neuroprosthetic techniques to restore complex reaching and grasping movements. The project will provide interdisciplinary training in neurotechnology and experimental electrophysiology in animal subjects.
Value of the award and eligibility
Depending on how you meet the MRCâs eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to a full or a partial award. A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,726 (2013/14). A partial award covers fees at the UK/EU rate only.
Person specification
Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. biological or physical sciences, engineering or computer science) and should preferably have neuroscience experience as well as good mathematical abilities and/or computer skills.
How to apply
You must apply through the Universityâs online postgraduate application form selecting ‘Master of Research/Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) – Neuroscience’ as the programme of study. Once you have selected the programme of study please insert the studentship/partnership reference number IN058. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a covering letter, CV and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications must be attached. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number IN058 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
You should also send your covering letter and CV to: Helen Stewart, Postgraduate Secretary, Institute of Neuroscience, Henry Wellcome Building, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH
E-mail: Helen.stewart@ncl.ac.uk.
Further information
For further details, please contact: Andrew Jackson E-mail: andrew.jackson@ncl.ac.uk