PhD Studentship Full-time

PhD Studentship

The research group of Dr Ian Harrison (Harrison Lab) is seeking a PhD student to investigate how early-life surgery affects glymphatic function in the brain and whether these changes contribute to the development of dementia-related pathology later in life.

The studentship will be primarily supervised by Dr Ian Harrison, based within UCL's Division of Medicine at the Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI). CABI is a world-leading facility for in vivo imaging of glymphatic function in preclinical models. The project will also be co-supervised by Dr Simon Beggs in UCL's Department of Developmental Neuroscience.

Located in a purpose-built facility in central London, CABI offers a range of specialised experimental imaging technologies and infrastructure. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research environment at UCL, bringing together expertise in glymphatic biology, neurodegeneration and developmental neuroscience. With access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities and opportunities to develop advanced experimental skills, UCL provides an outstanding setting in which to investigate the mechanisms linking early-life experiences, brain health and neurodegenerative disease.

About the role

The successful applicant will be a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with, or nearing completion of, a master's degree in neuroscience, biomedical sciences, physiology or a related discipline. They will have a strong interest in neuroscience, glymphatic function and neurodegenerative disease, and a desire to develop their research skills through an interdisciplinary PhD project.

The student will investigate how early-life surgery affects glymphatic function in the brain and whether these effects contribute to the development or progression of dementia-related pathology later in life. The project will involve preclinical models and may incorporate a range of experimental approaches, including in vivo imaging, behavioural testing, histology and molecular analysis. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop expertise in these techniques while exploring potential mechanisms linking early-life experiences, brain clearance pathways and neurodegeneration.

We are seeking a candidate with strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills, a proactive approach to learning, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team. Previous research experience in neuroscience or a related field is essential. Above all, the candidate should demonstrate scientific curiosity, enthusiasm for the project and a willingness to learn new techniques and approaches.

What we offer

This is an opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team working across the Division of Medicine. As well as the opportunities this role presents, we also offer further benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality