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The Liverpool BRAIN lab (Brain Research using Advanced Imaging in Neurology)

Postgraduate opportunities

Below you can find details of the postgraduate opportunities our lab offers.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Our lab offers a thriving environment for students to undertake a PhD programme in clinically orientated neuroimaging research. We team with the appropriate clinicians to form an expert, supportive and friendly supervisory team to support each PhD student’s needs. When available, fully funded PhD projects will be advertised through www.findaphd.com. We consider self-funded PhD projects all year round and may make offers depending on lab and supervisor capacity, the level of funding available, and the calibre of student. Enquiries can be made directly to Professor Simon Keller.

We are based in the modern William Henry Duncan Building.

Completed PhDs

Masters Opportunities

Master of Research (MRes)

The Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology at the University of Liverpool offer the one-year MRes in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (previously Biomedical Science and Translational Medicine). Professor Simon Keller leads the Neuroscience strand and offers neuroimaging projects in the context of this course.

Recent MRes neuroimaging projects include:

  • Dissociating inflammatory and degenerative markers of brain pathology in focal onset epilepsy
  • Novel MRI methods to unpick myelin and inflammatory brain changes in epilepsy
  • Morphometric MRI and diffusion tractography in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease
  • Imaging correlates of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease
  • Longitudinal assessment of brain degeneration in de novo Parkinson’s disease
  • Imaging predictors of DBS outcome in primary dystonia
  • Predicting postoperative outcome using preoperative MRI in refractory temporal lobe epilepsy
  • Morphometric MRI and diffusion tractography in genetic generalised epilepsy
  • Resting-state functional MRI in focal and generalised epilepsy
  • Quantitative MRI in newly diagnosed epilepsy
  • Morphometric MRI and diffusion tractography in neuropathic pain
  • Correlation between language lateralisation and hemispheric cerebral asymmetry

Enquiries can be made directly to Professor Simon Keller.

Recent students

Eszter Demirkan (academic year 2021-2022) - "I am very thankful for having had the opportunity to be a part of the BRAIN lab during my MRes course. I got to familiarise myself with advanced techniques that are both incredibly interesting and will form a solid basis for my future career. In the meantime, the learning process never felt overwhelming, as both Simon and the team welcomed me with open arms. They made sure I always had a group of people I could turn to when I needed help with anything, whether that be on an academic, professional, or personal level. The BRAIN lab has made my master’s experience very rewarding and enjoyable, as I was looking forward to arriving at the office every day. "

Marie Hanafin (academic year 2021-2022) - “The gratitude I have for my year in the BRAIN lab is immeasurable. I had the exciting opportunity to work with advanced neuroimaging techniques and impressive datasets. The passion Simon brings to his research is deeply infectious and has instilled a fascination of epilepsy research within me. But most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know the BRAIN lab team. The BRAIN lab team is full of people as brilliant as they are kind. Truly a wonderful experience.”

Harry Sharples (academic year 2020-2021) - “Joining the BRAIN imaging lab for my MRes was an excellent experience. The team are not only leaders in advanced brain imaging, but welcoming and encouraging to students. I was really well supported by academic and clinical seniors, who facilitated my development throughout the programme. Aside from work, the BRAIN lab is generally a fun place to spend time with a great culture. Brilliant internal and external speakers are hosted for meetings regularly. I could not recommend more highly.”

Adam Ridzuan-Allen (academic year 2019-2020) - “I feel extremely lucky to have ended up in this lab. From the first week I felt welcome and as though I was a part of the team. Simon is always available for a chat and each of the PhD students and post-docs are happy to help in any way they can. In all, I can say that I’ve learnt so much this year and made friendships that will last long into my career!”

Olivia Charlton (academic year 2019-2020) - “Being part of the Liverpool BRAIN group during my MRes course has been an invaluable experience on both a personal and professional level. The group has always provided a very close, welcoming and encouraging atmosphere from day one, which both pushed my capabilities and maximised by enjoyment of the course. I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of it and wish I could do it all again!”

MPhil and MSc

We offer Master of Philosophy (MPhil) projects that are smaller in scope than PhDs, typically taking 1-2 years full-time. Enquiries can be made directly to Professor Simon Keller.