Biocomputation by Neuronal Networks (BYRON)

PhD

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Key facts

Start dates

September 2026

Application deadline

20 February 2026

Location

Headington

Course length

Full time: 3 years

More details

Eligibility: Home UK/EU and International applicants
Bursary p.a: equivalent to UKRI national minimum stipend plus fees (current 2025/26 bursary rate is £20,780)
University fees and bench fees will be met by the University for the 3 years of the funded Studentship.

Overview

We’re looking for an exceptional candidate interested in researching the mechanisms and algorithms for encoding information within a neurosphere. This involves exploring the capacity and capabilities of a third-party provided setup of living neurones on a multi-electrode array. The goal is to reliably and robustly encode arbitrary information for computation inside the neurosphere.

The ideal candidate possesses a very solid understanding of mathematics particularly dynamic systems and information theory. Strong programming experience in various programming languages and numerical analysis is also essential. An interest in neuroscience and computational modelling would be advantageous.

Students gathered around a table working

Additional details

The studentship requires you to undertake the equivalent of up to 6 hrs of teaching per week on average, during semester time, and to include preparation and marking (but no more than 20 hrs per week), and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.

How to apply

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in the UK or acceptable equivalent qualification.

English language requirements

International/EU applicants must have a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (or equivalent) with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and no score below 5.5 issued in the last 2 years by an approved test centre.

Application process

Contact tde-tdestudentships@brookes.ac.uk with any queries

Director of Studies: Dr Tjeerd V. olde Scheper
Supervisors:  Dr Alex Rast

Project Contact: Dr Tjeerd V. olde Scheper, tvolde-scheper@brookes.ac.uk

Part time MPhil/PhD study will be exceptionally considered (Home Fee status applicants
only) 
 

Tuition fees

2026 / 27
Research degree fees and project costs
The studentship covers bench fees, stipend and tuition fees for 3 years. Stipend is currently £20,780 for 2025/2026. Rates for 2026/2027 to be confirmed.

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

Tuition fees

2026 / 27
Research degree fees and project costs
The studentship covers bench fees, stipend and tuition fees for 3 years. Stipend is currently £20,780 for 2025/2026. Rates for 2026/2027 to be confirmed.

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk