University of Lincoln RIF Studentships 2014
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Title
Genotypic variation and the effects on cognition; the association and interaction of
stress
Project Reference
RIF2014S-33
Project Summary
The School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, is seeking a highly motivated
individual to embark on a PhD project investigating the effects of genotypic variation
on cognition and the interactions and associations of stress.
This is part of a wider research programme being developed within the School of
Psychology and the successful individual will help form an essential component of
this. The project will investigate the effects of variation in genes previously identified
as being associated with susceptibility with mental health disorders on executive
function.
The mapping of the human genome has not resulted in finding genes of major effect
for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder.
Instead, what have been found are multiple genes of small effect which likely act on
numerous neural pathways to converge on aspects of brain function to create
vulnerability and lower resilience to stressful events.
It has not yet been determined what the cognitive effects are of variation in many of
the genes associated with increased susceptibility to mental health disorders and
what if any the effects of stress may have. This PhD project will aim to explore this
through identifying key genes of interest and investigating the effects of genetic
variation in a general population and clinical sample.
Neuropsychological testing will be assessed using the Cambridge Automated
Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTABEclipse) and a general population and
clinical sample will be recruited into the project. Stress will be assessed through a
combination of stressful life events questionnaires, subjective perceived life stress
measure and through the measurement of cortisol
The successful candidate should be able to think critically and work well in
collaboration with others and independently. Dr Kyla Pennington (Lincoln School of
Psychology) and Dr Humberto Gutierrez (Lincoln School of Life Sciences) will act as
principal and secondary supervisor respectively.
The School welcomes applications from candidates with a good degree in
Psychology, Life Sciences and/or Neuroscience and especially from individuals who
may have completed further research training or a Masters degree in a related
discipline.
Supervisory Team
1. Dr Kyla Pennington, Lecturer, Lincoln School of Psychology.
http://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/kpennington
2. Dr Humberto Gutierrez, Senior Lecturer , Lincoln School of Life Sciences.
http://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/hgutierrez
3. Dr Simon Durrant, Senior Lecturer, Lincoln School of Psychology.
http://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/sidurrant
Eligibility
All Candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for
studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2:1) or an appropriate
Masters degree or equivalent. A minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 7 (or
equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
Funded Studentships are open to both UK/EU students unless otherwise specified.
How to Apply
Please send a covering letter outlining your interest and proposed approach (up to 1
page A4) with an accompanying CV to studentshipscss@lincoln.ac.uk by close of
day on 18th April 2014.
Candidates will be notified w/c 5th May of the outcome of the process and if invited to
interview, these are anticipated to take place w/c 26h May.