PhD Studentship: The mechanisms of pressure and gas mediated neuroplasticity in the human brain

The mechanisms of pressure and gas mediated neuroplasticity in the human brain

DoS: Professor Stephen Hall (stephen.d.hall@plymouth.ac.uk)
2nd Supervisor: Professor Gary Smerdon (Gary.Smerdon@ddrc.org)
3rd Supervisor: Dr Elsa Fouragnan (elsa.fouragnan@plymouth.ac.uk)
4th Supervisor: Dr Helen McKenna (helen.mckenna@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship to study the effects of altered gas and pressure on the human brain. The studentship will start on 01 April 2026.

This collaborative project is based at the University of Plymouth’s Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC) and the hyperbaric medicine research charity DDRC; which are uniquely co-located.

Project Description

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is widely applied to treat a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders in countries around the world, the evidence threshold for implementation in the UK (NHS) has not yet been established. Moreover, the lack of a mechanistic understanding of the effects of altered oxygen concentration and pressure on the human brain limits the implementation and optimization of treatment protocols.

Building upon the findings of our recent studies, this PhD will systematically test the hypothesis that broad improvements in cognitive and behavioural performance are the result of an increase in neuroplasticity driven by oxygen and pressure related neural change. The project will exploit the multimodal neuroimaging, brain stimulation, cognitive and behavioural assessment capability at BRIC and the hyperbaric chambers at DDRC to investigate the structural, functional, and pharmacological effects of altered gas and pressure on neuroplasticity.

The PhD will provide an opportunity to develop and apply a range of skills in neuroimaging (e.g. fMRI, DTI, MRS), brain stimulation (e.g. TMS, FUS), electrophysiology (EEG) methods, alongside neurocognitive and physiological techniques. To address questions of how neural markers such as oscillations, cortical excitability, functional connectivity, and neurochemistry respond to altered oxygen and pressure.

Eligibility

We are looking for a talented and motivated PhD candidate with a 1st class or high 2.1 bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. A masters degree in a neuroscience related discipline, experience with coding (e.g. Matlab, Python, R etc) and conducting human neuroscience experiments and analyses are desirable.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes fully funded tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,215 p.a. 2025/26 rate

NB: The studentship is supported for three years of the four-year registration period. The fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year and research costs.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Professor Stephen Hall (stephen.d.hall@plymouth.ac.uk).

How to Apply

Please click on the Apply button above for further information and to apply.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College.

The closing date for applications is 30 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the deadline.

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