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Opportunities

If you want to add an opportunity, please contact the network coordinator (abigail.stuart@ndcn.ox.ac.uk)

Open positions

14.10.2024

Katz 3-year PhD studentships

On behalf of the University of Nottingham, we are advertising two funded 3-year PhD studentships. These studentships will focus on addressing important research questions linked to understanding tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome. Targeted projects currently include the following: 1. Use multimodal brain imaging or brain stimulation techniques to develop a mechanistic understanding of the role played by neural noise (trial-by-trial variability) in the generation of tics that can be used to inform the development of novel treatments. 2. Develop a Temporal Interference stimulation (TIS) approach to investigate the role(s) played by the anterior insula and mid (motor) cingulate brain areas in the experience of premonitory urge phenomena and the production of tics. 3. Use translational neuroimaging and neurophysiology methods together in a rat model of Tourette syndrome to examine the remote effects of chronic striatal neural disinhibition which has been implicated in tic disorders. 4. Using AI/machine learning methods, develop a smartphone App for automatically quantifying and classifying tics. These studentships would suit somebody with an honours level undergraduate degree relevant to each individual project, e.g., Experimental Psychology, Physics/Mathematics, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related subject. In addition, an appropriate Masters degree and/or relevant previous experience with one or more of: brain imaging (e.g., MRI, EEG, MEG); brain stimulation (e.g., TMS, tACS, TIS); mathematical modelling; or, AI/machine learning would be an advantage. The PhDs would ideally start in February 2025 and are fully funded by a generous philanthropic donation made to the University of Nottingham. The studentships are open to UK citizens and will include a stipend of £18,622 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Informal enquiries can be addressed to: Stephen.Jackson@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 by clicking here. In the research proposal section please only include “Stephen Jackson’s advertised Katz PhD positions” in the title. Please note, the application will not be considered if you fail to do so. You are required to upload the following documents to your application: 1. A CV. 2. A cover letter. 3. Two references. Application deadline is 24th November 2024.

Funding opportunities

All future opportunities will be listed in this section – please check back regularly for updates.

PPIE Funding call – CLOSED

CPNN+ is delighted to announce a Call for Funding to support projects that develop the role of Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in shaping and advancing the application of neurotechnology in chronic pain research and management. We recognize the transformative potential of neurotechnology in understanding and managing chronic pain, and we aim to foster collaborative efforts that involve patients and the public in driving innovation, improving treatment outcomes, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with chronic pain.

Funding Focus Areas:

We invite proposals that focus on the intersection of neurotechnology and chronic pain research, specifically in relation to PPI. Projects may address, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  • Technology Development: Projects that involve PPI in the development and refinement of neurotechnological tools, devices, or interventions for chronic pain management. This may include wearable devices, virtual reality, neurostimulation techniques, or neuroimaging approaches, among others.
  • Treatment Optimization: Projects that explore how PPI can contribute to the optimization of neurotechnology-based interventions for chronic pain. This may involve the inclusion of patient perspectives in treatment protocols, usability assessments, or patient-led modifications to enhance the effectiveness and acceptance of neurotechnological approaches.
  • User Experience and Acceptance: Projects that investigate the user experience and acceptance of neurotechnology among individuals with chronic pain. This may include studies on usability, accessibility, and factors influencing patient engagement and adherence to neurotechnology-based interventions.
  • Ethical and Societal Implications: Projects that address the ethical, legal, and societal implications of using neurotechnology in chronic pain management. This may encompass considerations such as privacy, informed consent, equity of access, and the impact of neurotechnology on the individual and society.
  • Policy Engagement: Projects aimed at influencing the development, implementation, and regulation of policies related to the use of neurotechnological devices, interventions, and applications. This may cover engaging with policymakers, regulatory bodies, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to inform and shape policies that govern the use and accessibility of neurotechnology in various domains, including healthcare, research, and industry.

Funding Details:

Maximum funding available per project: £5,000

Project duration: Up to 1 year

Eligibility: You must be eligible to receive funding from UKRI/EPSRC.

Collaborative partnerships between researchers, patients, healthcare providers, and community organizations are strongly encouraged. We encourage applications from early career researchers, and people who work in allied clinical roles.

Application Guidelines: Interested applicants are invited to submit a 2-page proposal, application form, and CV following completion of the application form which can be obtained from abigail.stuart@ndcn.ox.ac.uk or submitted below via our website. Please email over your CV and proposal. The proposal should clearly outline the project objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and plans for PPI integration throughout the research process. Additionally, applicants should provide a budget breakdown, timeline, and a plan for application, dissemination or sustainability beyond the funding period.

Review and Selection Process: All proposals will undergo a rigorous review process conducted by a panel of experts in chronic pain research, neurotechnology, and PPI. The evaluation criteria will include the project’s scientific merit, relevance to the funding focus areas, potential impact, feasibility, and the extent and quality of patient and public involvement.

Key Dates:

  • Call for Funding announcement: [26th June 2023]
  • Proposal submission deadline: [26th Sept 2023] – We are no longer accepting applications
  • Funding decision notification: [10th Dec 2023]