Applications are invited for a 3.5 year PhD studentship to join the Clinical Imaging Science Centre (CISC) at the University of Sussex Campus. This studentship is funded by Brighton & Sussex Medical School.
The aim of the project is to develop novel multi-modal imaging techniques to study adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a developmental disorder characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Stimulant medications which increase brain dopamine levels markedly improve symptoms in approximately 70% of patients. Precise mechanisms of action remain uncertain, however dysfunction within distributed deep-brain-cortical loops linking to dopamine rich regions in the mid-brain are central to all current neurophysiological models of ADHD. Neuroimaging studies partially support these theories; however the investigations carried out to date have important limitations. Firstly, relatively few have been conducted in adults. Secondly, due to poor contrast resolution none has been able to image critical dopamine rich mid-brain regions.
This project will optimise Magnetisation Transfer (MT) imaging (which provides excellent contrast resolution of deep grey matter structures) to characterise brain structural abnormalities in adults with ADHD. These images will then be used to inform structural and functional connectivity analyses of these regions and to investigate the effects of stimulant medication on functional connectivity. Participants will be recruited from a large database of ADHD patients seen locally. Together these studies will offer potentially unique insights into the role of dopamine rich mid-brain connectivity in ADHD and modulatory effects of stimulant medications.
This PhD will provide an outstanding training in a wide range of cutting edge imaging techniques (both functional and structural) as well as more general research methodologies. The successful candidate will be encouraged to present findings at international, national and local research conferences. The combination of a rigorous training in MR imaging techniques and application to a clinical population will provide the successful candidate with an excellent training in translational imaging research and make them a highly competitive candidate for future postdoctoral research positions, in the field of neuroscience and medical imaging.
We aim to attract the highest quality numerate graduates who are motivated to apply their skills to neuroimaging research questions.
Funding Notes:
Applicants for this 3.5 year Brighton & Sussex Medical School funded PhD starting October 2012 should possess or expect to be awarded a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering, bio-engineering, physiology, neuroscience, psychology, maths, computer science and statistics or similar discipline.
Both UK/EU citizens can apply (home fees will be paid for either UK/EU citizens). Informal enquiries to Prof. Mara Cercignani ([log in to unmask]) or Dr Neil Harrison ([log in to unmask]). To apply please download an application form and referee forms from (bsms.ac.uk/postgraduate/research-degrees/phd-opportunities) or contact the BSMS Research Degrees Administrator: Nichola Mayer ([log in to unmask])
References:
Helms G, Draganski B, Frackowiak R, Ashburner J, Weiskopf N (2009). Improved segmentation of deep brain grey matter structures using magnetization transfer (MT) parameter maps. Neuroimage 47(1):194-8.
Cercignani M, Symms MR, Schmierer K, Boulby PA, Tozer DJ, Ron M, Tofts PS, Barker GJ (2005). Three-dimensional quantitative magnetisationtransfer imaging of the human brain. Neuroimage 27(2); 436-441.
Radulescu E, Ganeshan B, Minati L, Beacher F, Gray MA, Chatwin C, Young R, Harrison NA, Critchley HD (2012). Gray matter textural heterogeneity as a potential in-vivo biomarker of fine structural abnormalities in Asperger syndrome. The Pharmacogenomics Journal,doi:10.1038/tpj.2012.3
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