3-year funded PhD in Multimodal approaches to investigate the neural origins of tics

Project Title: Multimodal approaches to investigate the neural origins of tics

Description 

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by tics which are involuntary movements and vocalisations. Although Tourette syndrome is characterised by tics, there are several other conditions which also result in tic/ tic like actions including functional tic disorder which appears to be on the rise following the pandemic. Although several brain circuits have been implicated in the generation of tics in Tourette syndrome there is still a lot to learn. Particularly there is much to understand about how tics differ from volitional movements and how different types of tics come to be generated.

This three-year PhD program is an opportunity to advance current understanding into Tourette syndrome and tic disorders. The exact program of work will be tailored with the successful candidate and applicants are encouraged to discuss this with the potential supervisor in advance. The methods used in this project will include EEG, non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as TMS/MNS, cognitive tasks and clinical assessments.

Funding and starting date

The studentship is funded by the Faculty of Science and will provide a stipend to cover living costs (approximately £17,668) and cover Home University fees (estimated at £4,496) for the duration of the project and thesis writing (36 months).

The starting date is February 2023.

Deadline

30th of September 2022.

Requirements

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Psychology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Computer Science or a related discipline.

Essential: The successful candidate will be highly motivated with strong written and verbal communication skills and should have some experience with data analysis, quantitative methods, or programming. Candidate should also have experience working with people with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Tourette Syndrome and some experience of neurophysiology or non-invasive brain stimulation.  

Desirable: Experience with collecting and/or processing physiological data; programing experience using Matlab or Python; experience running studies with diverse populations including children/adolescents. 

Informal enquiries can be directed to Katherine Dyke (katherine.dyke@nottingham.ac.uk)

How to apply

All applications are to be made directly to the University, selecting PhD Psychology (36 months duration) as the course.

Please apply at: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx.