Enhancing memory processing has wide therapeutic potential in brain conditions including neuropsychiatric disorders. Yet, medical devices have not been effectively leveraged to modulate memory in the human brain. Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR) is a non-invasive approach that is delivered with devices and holds promise for enhancing memory. TMR involves pairing new learning with specific auditory cues. These same auditory cues are then played again during periods of sleep, to bias the brain to reactivate and strengthen memory for the paired experience.

The overall goal of this PhD studentship is to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which TMR enhances memory and then leverage this knowledge to develop and optimise a TMR protocol suitable for translational use in humans. To achieve this, we will use a cross-species approach to implement a closed-loop TMR protocol. This closed-loop TMR protocol will involve delivering auditory stimulation during sleep when we detect hippocampal neuronal oscillations critical for memory strengthening. Using multi-channel electrophysiology in the hippocampus and related brain circuits in mice, we will then define the circuit mechanisms of closed-loop TMR to further optimise the approach and technology. The final two years of the project will involve translating research discoveries into humans by implementing the closed-loop TMR protocol on a custom-made headband allowing electroencephalography (EEG). Using this approach, we aim to demonstrate effective ‘at-home’ delivery of closed-loop TMR to enhance memory.

The project will take place in the Brain Network Dynamics Unit of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and in the Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Restorative Neural Dynamics (MRC CoRE RND). Students will benefit from the extensive interdisciplinary skills training and personalised career development opportunities available within the Unit and the MRC CoRE RND. Students will receive specialised training in their areas of project research (see below) as well as, for example, in the translation and commercialisation of research, best practice in Open Science, and how to effectively involve and engage patients and the public with research.

The studentship holder will be trained in the use of cutting-edge methods across mice and humans. You will gain expertise in multi-unit electrophysiology, optogenetic manipulations, and behavioural testing in mice. You will gain expertise in EEG and behavioural quantification in humans. You will also gain experience in using Python/Matlab for cross-species data analysis with advanced statistical methods, including application of machine learning.

This four-year Ph.D. (D.Phil.) studentship offers three years of full-time tuition fees at the Home rate, and four years of non-taxable stipend at the full-time UKRI rate (including any uplifts announced). Both Home students and International students are eligible to receive this funding package. Please see further details about MRC/UKRI studentships and updated guidance regarding Home and International eligibility. Successful offer-holders who have applied by the December deadline may also be considered for other University of Oxford scholarships.

Interested candidates should possess, or expect to receive, a 1st class or upper 2nd class degree (or equivalent) in a related scientific discipline, e.g. biological or physical sciences, medicine, computer science, engineering, mathematics. Previous experience in neuroscience research is highly desirable.

Candidates must contact the lead project supervisor before submitting an application. To find out more about this studentship, the research project, and the application process, please contact Associate Professor Helen Barron by email on helen.barron@ndcn.ox.ac.uk.

To be considered for this studentship, please submit an application for admission to the D.Phil. in Clinical Neurosciences at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (course code RD_CU1), following the guidance for applications to this course. On the application form, in the section headed ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’, please indicate that you are applying for a studentship and enter the reference code “26NDCN01MRC” into the funding tab.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday UK time on Tuesday 2^nd December 2025.

Opening in November 2025, the MRC CoRE RND is an exciting team science enterprise that is focused on harnessing the moment-to-moment interactions between nerve cells (‘neural dynamics’) to transform medical device-based therapy for brain conditions. The MRC CoRE RND incorporates discovery research and translational research aligned to empirical neuroscience, computational neuroscience, experimental medicine, and biomedical engineering. The MRC CoRE RND is exceptionally collaborative, involving partners in academia, neurotechnology industry, research charities, and clinical services. It will champion values supporting a positive research culture.