Evaluating the influence of vibrotactile stimulation on sensory processing and motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s. PhD Medical Studies Ref: 5894

Supervisors

Dr William Young - University of Exeter - Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Dr Xiaohan Xu - University of Exeter - Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Professor Helen Dawes - University of Exeter - Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Parkinson’s disease is among the fastest growing neurological conditions. Motor and non-motor symptoms often persist despite optimal pharmacological or surgical intervention. This highlights the need to explore alternative ways to manage symptoms. Vibrotactile stimulations has received much attention in recent years. This interest has been largely fuelled by anecdotal reports of perceived benefits rather than high-quality scientific evidence. This advertised PhD studentship will aim to evaluate mechanisms underlying potential vibration-induced changes in motor and non-motor symptoms. More specifically, the PhD student will examine dynamics of sensory processing with a particular focus on the suppression of sensory input around movement initiation. Projects will involve using physiological recordings and brain imaging. Here, there will be a particular focus on autonomic function/arousal, the control of balance and gait (especially gait initiation) and the relationship between these non-motor and motor processes. Each project will be designed with our steering group of people with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Candidates with a background in neuroscience, psychology, clinical sciences or related discipline are encouraged to apply. The student will have the opportunity to join a range of ongoing projects on topics including Parkinson’s, ageing and Multiple Sclerosis.

This PhD studentship is jointly funded by BeechBand (www.beechband.com) and the University of Exeter to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter (we can accommodate a start date of 4 January 2027 if preferred).  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at St Luke’s Campus in Exeter.

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

• The award covers only part of the international tuition fee, approximately £27,000.
• 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.

International fee-paying applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

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 neuroscience, biomechanisms, clinical sciences or related discipline.

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)
• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 20^th July 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually week commencing 27^th July 2026.

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

Please quote reference 5894 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary