Investigating the role of cerebellar-midbrain projections in emotional contributions to pain - PhD (funded) Ref: 5839

Supervisors

Dr Charlotte Lawrenson,  Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences,  University of Exeter

Dr Yanfeng Zhang,  Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences,  University of Exeter

Dr Jonathan Witton,  Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences,  University of Exeter

The University of Exeter’s Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences is inviting applications for a faculty-funded PhD studentship to commence on September 21^st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based in in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences on Streatham Campus in Exeter.

The experience of pain is dynamic beyond nociceptive signalling, affected by emotional, motivational and cognitive factors. This PhD project aims to investigate the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that underlie such factors to ultimately target these relationships therapeutically. Specifically, this project will investigate how the cerebellum contributes to affective states in pain, through its interactions with different midbrain regions.

The successful candidate will use a variety of systems neuroscience techniques in rodent models to interrogate neural circuits underlying affective behaviour.  Key techniques will include behavioural paradigms in combination with electrophysiology and targeted manipulation of specific pathways.

We encourage students interested in how neural circuits contribute to changes in behaviour, pain neuroscience or the neuroscience of emotional control to apply.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. However please note the following:

• The award covers only part of the international tuition fee, approximately £25,000.
• It does not include a stipend for living expenses.
• International applicants will need to cover additional costs, including:
• Student visa fees
• Immigration Health Surcharge
• Relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK to undertake a PhD.

Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying.

Please contact Dr C Lawrenson (c.l.lawrenson2@exeter.ac.uk) prior to submission to discuss the project and how your interests align.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of study such as Neuroscience or Biomedical Sciences.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents

•            CV

•            Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

•            Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•            Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 20^th April 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing 18th May 2026.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5839 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary