PhD Studentship in Neural Networks
University of Edinburgh.
MODELLING A BURST-GENERATING NEURONE
This project will involve the construction of mathematical models of
oxytocin neurones, assessing the properties of the model by computer simulation
and analytical techniques where possible, and planning, in conjunction with
electrophysiologists, the experimental testing of models, e.g. by devising
critical experiments to discriminate between hypotheses.
Random synaptic input is a key element of the environment of oxytocin
neurones, which have important physiological functions related to their two
modes of firing. One function is regulation of osmotic pressure of the blood,
affected by the tonic firing activity of the neurones. The neurones are also
important in reproduction in particular during parturition and lactation, when
bursts of intense activity of the neurones coincide with milk ejections in
lactating females, and contractions during parturition. The studentship will be
supervised on the biological side by Professor Gareth Leng in the Physiology
Department, Edinburgh, and on the mathematical and computational side by David
Brown in the Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience, The Babraham Institute,
Cambridge.
This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in mathematical work on
a neuronal system for which there is much experimental data, which has
properties which are interesting from a physiological and mathematical point of
view, and which has been little modelled so far.
The experience gained would be very useful for an eventual career in
computational neuroscience or biomathematics research, or in computing
applications involving neural networks as engineering or statistical tools.
Applicants should have, or be likely to get, a good degree in a
quantitative subject (e.g. physics, mathematics), with a willingness to be
involved in neural systems. Maintenance grant of about #6,800 per annum (for
UK residents). The studentship will start in October 1998, and run for for 3
years. The project will involve some travel between Edinburgh and Cambridge,
for which funds are available, so as to facilitate regular contact with the
mathematicians and biologists at the two sites.
Further information from:
Gareth Leng (0131 650 2869, email [log in to unmask]) or
David Brown (01223 832312 ext 224, email [log in to unmask]).
Applications in the form of a CV (detailing academic performance so far) and
names and addresses of two referees to Professor Gareth Leng, Department of
Physiology, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh,
or David Brown, Laboratory of Biomathematics, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB2
4AT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, and at the latest by 5th July.
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