Fully funded PhD

University of Stirling

There are a number of neurodevelopmental disorders which give rise to autism and intellectual disability in humans. Though in some instances their genetic basis is well understood, little is known about how these disorders alter brain function.

This PhD offers the opportunity to address this question. The current project will use neurophysiological and behavioural testing of newly developed rodent models of three conditions (Scn2a+/-, Arid1b+/-, and Grin2b+/- rats). We will use high density neural recording to assess the behaviour of neural representations of the outside world – for which little is known.

The PhD is part of a larger project funded by the Simons Foundation in its Autism Rats Consortium. It is fully funded, and the research will take place in laboratories at the University of Edinburgh.

Students with experience working with rats and a background in neuroscience or physiological psychology are particularly encouraged to apply.

Techniques undertaken in this project include:

• Silicone probe recordings in freely moving rats
• Development of behavioural tasks
• Analysis of electrophysiology data

Person specification

Applicants with experience working with rodents, and particularly stereotaxic surgery experience, are encouraged to apply. Note that a full research proposal is not required (as the project is grant related, though there will be freedom for related experimentation). In it's place, applicants should detail their background in neuroscience and particularly any experience working with rodents and submit this as a 'Research Proposal'.

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