This is an opportunity to research a defined project in an area of behavioural neuroscience, specifically on the neural substrates of inhibitory learning.
We welcome applications from the UK and EU candidates. Applicants should have (the equivalent of) a minimum of a 2.1 level first degree in psychology, neuroscience or some other area of biological science. The successful candidate will be located in the School of Psychology, University Park Campus. The start date for the studentship should be on or before 1 April 2019 (although a later start date may be possible). Relevant laboratory experience will be an advantage but full training will be provided to the successful candidate.
Background: Conditioned inhibition is a form of learning seen when an otherwise expected event does not occur in the presence of the inhibitor. Such inhibitory modulation is fundamental to many aspects of normal psychological function, such as the control of food intake, while impairments in this process underpin a wide variety of mental health conditions. We have found that this kind of inhibitory learning is impaired in humans with schizophrenia (as well as those with particular personality profiles). We have therefore adapted the experimental design for use in rats, with a refined appetitive procedure, to investigate the role of the dopamine system and interconnected cortical structures, specifically medial prefrontal cortex. This translational task can now be used to analyse the role of corticostriatal dopamine in inhibitory modulation, with a view to developing novel therapeutic strategies. The medial prefrontal cortex and dopamine systems have been independently identified as being involved in aspects of inhibition. The studentship research project will advance on these findings by testing for dissociable effects in medial prefrontal cortex sub-regions and interconnected areas of the nucleus accumbens in the striatum.
This project involves in vivo neuroscience and behavioural techniques to determine the substrates of inhibitory learning. Specifically, it aims to (1) define components of corticostriatal circuitry necessary for the inhibitory modulation of appetitive associative learning and (2) investigate the role of different dopamine receptor sub-types in the corticostriatal circuitry.
This project addresses a number of hypotheses and specific predictions. For example, based on the hypothesised functional interplay between pre-frontal cortex and striatum, inactivation of the prelimbic part of pre-frontal cortex or nucleus accumbens core is predicted to impair acquisition of conditioned inhibition. Based on his/her literature review of the cognitive processes underlying inhibition and their neuropharmacological substrates, the student will be encouraged to formulate his/her own hypotheses and specific experimental predictions.
This will include rodent behavioural testing, surgical procedures and drug administration. The successful candidate will work as part of a highly motivated team but should be prepared to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of their PhD project.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Professor Helen Cassaday (helen.cassaday@nottingham.ac.uk) and may include a CV along with a brief statement on why you are interested in the post. However, full applications must be made through the process described below.
To be considered for this PhD, please complete the University of Nottingham online application acessed here: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx
Additionally could you email a covering letter and CV to christopher.atkinson@nottingham.ac.ukexpressing your interest in the studentship. You should be sure to provide contact details for two referees who we may contact in connection with your application.
Application deadline: Friday 4 Jan 2019
Professor Helen Cassaday: helen.cassaday@nottingham.ac.uk
