Brunel University London is inviting students with backgrounds in Neuroscience, Neuroimaging, or psychology to apply for a fully funded PhD position for a project titled "Mechanisms of Interoception and Stress in Medically Unexplained Symptoms". See below details and how to submit your application.
Project Description
Throughout history, the intricate relationship between mind and body has been recognized by physicians and patients alike. However, effectively treating conditions that involve this complex interplay remains challenging. One contributing factor is the dichotomous view held by many medical professionals, categorizing conditions as either "body" or "mind" pathologies. Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) refer to physical symptoms without an identifiable organic cause or clear disease classification. Various psychological and biomedical theories propose explanations for MUS, emphasizing dysfunctional stress responses across physiological axes (e.g., hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inflammatory responses, cardiovascular responses) and interoceptive dysregulation. Despite progress, our understanding of the interaction between these mechanisms remains incomplete due to fragmented research. The project aims to investigate MUS mechanisms using multimodal data (MRI, EEG, ECG) and behavioral paradigms, exploring interoception and attentional biases during emotional stress. The PhD student's role includes literature review, protocol design, data collection, analysis, and publication. This research could significantly enhance treatment approaches for patients with MUS, making it an exciting opportunity for prospective PhD students in Neuroscience, Psychology, or Neuroimaging.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for the aforementioned PhD topic, follow these steps:
1). Contact the supervisor: Reach out to the supervisor via email or phone to express your interest in the project. The supervisor's contact details can be found on the topic page. During this communication, you can discuss your enthusiasm for the research and inquire about your suitability for the position. The supervisor will also guide you in developing a topic-specific research proposal, which will be a part of your application.
2). Apply online: Click on the 'Apply here' button on the topic page, which will redirect you to the relevant PhD course page. There, you will find an online application form. Complete the application, making sure to indicate your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have chosen.
Application Deadline: 03/08/2025
Find more info on the official post webpage