PhD Studentship: Neuronal Network Activity and Plasticity in Human Cortical Organoids

Closing Date: 1^st June 2025 [23.59 GMT]

Supervisor: Prof David Saad and Dr Rhein Parri

Programme Length: Three years

Prospective Start Date: 1^st July or 1^st October 2025

Key words:

Neuronal network activity, Neuroscience research, Human cortical organoids, Synaptic plasticity, Brain organoids, Neural plasticity, Human neural networks, Neurobiology, Electrophysiology 

Financial Support 

This studentship includes a bursary to cover the tuition fees, plus an annual maintenance allowance.

Overseas Applicants

Overseas students are welcome to apply for this position.

Details of the Project

The project focuses on understanding the cellular, synaptic and network properties and mechanisms of plasticity in human cortical organoids. 

Most that is known about the cellular mechanisms of synaptic and network plasticity is from rodent model systems. While human neurons are known to be more complex than rodent’s very little is known about human synaptic mechanisms and network activity. The project will address this by growing cortical organoids and interrogate their neuronal networks using high resolution CMOS multielectrode array electrophysiological recordings, fluorescence calcium imaging and optogenetic stimulation. The researchers will interact closely with statistical physicists and modellers to gain a wider and deeper understanding of the emerging structures and dynamical processes of human plasticity that will inform the development of novel neuromorphic computing approaches.

Person Specification

The successful applicant should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) in neuroscience, stem cell biology, or a related biological science.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Professor David Saad at d.saad@aston.ac.uk

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience. 
4. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
5. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
6. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

For further information and to apply on-line, please click the above “Apply” button.

Please select “Research - Computer Science” from the application form options.

If you require further information about the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk.

Advert information