Summary
Aston University, UK, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship investigating how radiotherapy affects brain structure and function in children treated for brain tumours.
The project will combine longitudinal MRI data, Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG), cognitive assessments, advanced image analysis and statistical methods to understand treatment-related changes in the developing brain and their relationship with cognitive outcomes.
The research is being conducted through collaboration between Aston University’s Institute for Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The project draws on more than 20 years of MRI data from the Imaging of Tumours study, which has recruited over 1,700 children.
Designation
PhD Studentship – Understanding how Radiotherapy Affects Brain Structure and Function in Children with Brain Tumours using OPM-MEG
Scholarship Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Aston University |
| Degree | PhD |
| Project | Understanding how Radiotherapy Affects Brain Structure and Function in Children with Brain Tumours using OPM-MEG |
| Programme Duration | 3 years |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Tuition Fees | Home fees covered |
| Stipend | Annual stipend provided |
| Location | Birmingham, United Kingdom |
| Discipline | Health & Life Sciences |
| School | School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences |
| Research Partners | Aston University & Birmingham Children’s Hospital |
| Supervisor | Dr Jan Novak |
| Associate Supervisors | Dr Caroline Witton; Dr Daniel Griffiths-King |
| Application Deadline | 15 September 2026 |
Research Area
The PhD focuses on:
- Paediatric neuroimaging
- Brain tumours and cancer survivorship
- Effects of radiotherapy on the developing brain
- Cognitive development and outcomes
- Structural and functional brain connectivity
- MRI-based brain imaging
- OPM-MEG
- Neuroscience
- Clinical psychology
- Neurodevelopment
- Advanced image analysis
- Data science and statistical analysis
- Translational clinical research
The project aims to identify treatment-related changes in brain networks and potential biomarkers that could eventually support prognosis, rehabilitation and personalised care for children following brain tumour treatment.
Location
Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
The research involves collaboration with Birmingham Children’s Hospital and access to advanced paediatric neuroimaging facilities.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have been awarded, or expect to achieve:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with First Class or 2:1 honours, OR
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree with First Class or 2:1 honours and a relevant Master’s degree with Merit or higher.
- Equivalent qualifications from other countries may also be considered by Aston University.
Required Skills
Candidates should have:
- Good numeracy skills
- Basic understanding of programming
- Good interpersonal skills
- Good communication skills
Desirable Experience
Preference may be given to applicants with experience in:
- Working with children
- Brain imaging techniques such as MRI, EEG or MEG
- Programming and scripting
- Working with clinical data
Scholarship Description
This 3-year fully funded PhD studentship offers an opportunity to investigate an important clinical problem: how cancer treatments, particularly radiotherapy, can affect the developing brains of children who survive brain tumours.
The project will analyse an extensive longitudinal MRI dataset and compare children who received radiotherapy with those who did not. Researchers will investigate changes in brain structure, connectivity and developmental patterns throughout childhood and adolescence.
The successful candidate will also collect new data using OPM-MEG, a next-generation neuroimaging technology capable of measuring neural activity with high temporal precision and designed to be more child-friendly than conventional approaches.
The research will integrate MRI, OPM-MEG and cognitive assessments to examine relationships between brain structure, brain function and real-world cognitive outcomes.
The studentship provides interdisciplinary training in clinical research, neuroimaging, cognitive assessment, data science and advanced statistical analysis.
Funding
The studentship covers Home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend.
Important: International applicants may apply, but they will be required to pay the difference between the Home and Overseas tuition fees each year.
How to Apply
Applicants should apply through the Aston University PhD application form.
When completing the application:
- Select Health and Life Sciences for University College.
- Select Research Health Sciences (including Optometry, Pharmacy, and Psychology Research Areas) as the Degree Programme.
- Select your preferred entry date.
- Submit the completed PhD application before the deadline.
For formal project enquiries, contact:
Dr Jan Novak
Email: j.novak@aston.ac.uk
For questions regarding the application process, contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at:
Last Date to Apply
15 September 2026
Applicants are advised to complete and submit their applications before the stated deadline.
Official Application
Apply for the Aston University PhD Studentship
University: Aston University, Birmingham, UK
Degree: PhD
Duration: 3 Years
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: 15 September 2026
