The Optical Neurophysiology Laboratory, lead by Dr. Amanda Foust, is looking for a talented motivated PhD student, interested in working in the field of optical neurophysiology, to engineer solutions at the interface of neuroscience, optics, hardware, software, and molecules, generating powerful new instruments to unlock the mysteries of live neuronal networks. The ideal candidate has a strong background in electrical/electronic, computer, optical or genetic/molecular engineering, or optical physics, coupled with a strong interest in cross-disciplinary synthesis and in brain function at the neuronal network level.

The Project
Optical control and readout of neuronal networks has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of how communication between neurons gives rise to our senses, perceptions, thoughts, emotions and actions. Geneticists over the past 15 years have developed molecules that, when ectopically expressed in neurons, can actuate or silence neurons with light, and can report changes in membrane potential and calcium concentration through changes in their optical properties.  These tools, combined with rapidly evolving optical technologies, can enable science fiction-scale progress to understanding live neuronal network function through optical manipulation and readout of neuronal activity.  

The Foust Lab
The aim our research is to engineer bridges between cutting-edge optical technologies, optogenetic tools, and neuroscientists to acquire new, groundbreaking data on how brain circuits wire, process, and store information. We take an engineering approach to selection, adaptation, integration and optimization of technologies to enable neurophysiology experiments that were previously impossible.  These technologies include computer-generated holography, calcium and membrane potential imaging, and non-linear optics. Our students receive intensive training in cross-disciplinary dialogue, experimental design and implementation, scientific writing, publication (early and often!) and presentation.

Our laboratory is part of the Department of Bioengineering, which conducts state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research in biomechanics, neuroscience and neurotechnology. The lab is at Imperial College London, the 3rd ranked university in Europe, is in the top 10 worldwide, and is located in the city centre of London. 
More information can be found at: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/a.foust/research.html

The Requirements
The Optical Neurophysiology Laboratory, lead by Dr. Amanda Foust, is looking for a talented motivated PhD student, interested in working in the field of optical neurophysiology, to engineer solutions at the interface of neuroscience, optics, hardware, software, and molecules, generating powerful new instruments to unlock the mysteries of live neuronal networks. The ideal candidate has a strong background in electrical/electronic, computer, optical or genetic/molecular engineering, or optical physics, coupled with a strong interest in cross-disciplinary synthesis and in brain function at the neuronal network level.

The Funding and eligibility
The successful candidate will complete a PhD in the Bioengineering Doctoral Training Programme. The 36-month position covers fees (£4,260 per annum) and a stipend (£16,777 per annum) for UK/EU citizens. The position can start at any time up to October 2019, and is open until filled. Earlier applications will be considered first.

How to apply
Candidates should please send a single pdf file, consisting of a 1-page motivation letter and CV to a.foust@imperial.ac.uk.  In addition, candidates should organize two letters of reference to be sent to Dr Amanda Foust a.foust@imperial.ac.uk. 

The Royal British Legion Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College is a collaboration between military and civilian clinicians, scientists and engineers. With core funding from the Royal British Legion, CBIS is an Imperial College/Royal British Legion/Ministry of Defence partnership. 
Please check the Centre opportunities page for further details.

PhD applicants to Bioengineering may also be nominated for some of the available College scholarships. Please visit the Imperial College Scholarships page for full details of all PhD scholarships available and application processes.

If applying for funding, you should contact your chosen supervisor well before the deadlines listed above to ensure that they have sufficient time to review your application and - if appropriate - arrange an interview. Candidates who do not meet the relevant deadlines can be considered for the PhD programme but may not be considered for departmental funding. Please consult our research pages for further details.