The University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry is offering a funded DPhil (PhD) studentship focused on Translational Neuroimaging of Neurogenetic Disorders, starting October 2026. The project sits at a fast-growing intersection of psychiatry, neuroimaging, and imaging genomics, using large, globally distinctive datasets to explain how altered gene dosage reshapes the human brain—and how those insights can be translated into more clinically useful stratification.
With a UKRI-rate stipend (not less than £20,780 per annum), support for research costs and conferences, and supervision spanning Oxford and the University of Pennsylvania, this studentship is designed for ambitious candidates who want to work on clinically meaningful questions using state-of-the-art computational methods. The deadline is 12:00 noon (UK time) on 6 February 2026, with interviews scheduled week commencing 16 February 2026.
Author: Dr Niaz Chowdhury (LinkedIn)
Designation: Lecturer (Computer Science)
Affiliation: Ulster University, Birmingham, UK
Why neurogenetic disorders matter in psychiatry
Neurogenetic disorders—such as aneuploidies and recurrent copy number variations (CNVs)—are strongly associated with increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes. Beyond clinical importance, these conditions act as powerful “human models” that can help researchers investigate multiscale genetic mechanisms relevant to psychiatric disorders.
Unlike many common psychiatric conditions, where causes are complex and highly polygenic, neurogenetic syndromes often involve identifiable genomic variation. That clarity creates an opportunity: by studying how specific genetic changes map onto brain organisation and behaviour, researchers can better understand pathways that may also inform broader psychiatric science and clinical care.
The core aim of the DPhil
This studentship will leverage several globally unique neuroimaging datasets to pursue two linked objectives:
- Elucidate how neurogenetic disorders alter human brain organisation, and
- Translate those insights towards clinical stratification.
In practical terms, the work centres on already acquired multimodal neuroimaging data from neurogenetic syndromes (including sex chromosome aneuploidies) to map the effects of altered gene dosage on brain organisation. A major emphasis is placed on creating research outputs that can meaningfully connect to clinical practice—especially by improving how we group, predict, or understand clinical outcomes across individuals.
What you’ll actually work on
The DPhil focus includes several exciting and highly employable research directions:
1) Mapping gene dosage effects using multimodal neuroimaging
You will analyse existing multimodal imaging datasets in neurogenetic syndromes to quantify how genetic dosage changes affect brain structure and organisation.
2) Building and applying brain charts for normative modelling
A special emphasis is placed on the use and construction of brain charts—a rapidly developing approach that enables normative modelling of brain measures across development. This can help identify where an individual deviates from expected trajectories and may support clinically relevant interpretation.
3) Bridging research scans with clinically acquired scans
A key translational component is integrating research-grade imaging with clinically acquired scans, including the use of AI-driven image analysis methods. This emphasis strengthens the clinical relevance of the work and encourages outputs that can transfer beyond highly controlled research settings.
4) Linking neuroimaging to genetic and genomic data
The project explicitly includes linking imaging findings to genetic and genomic data, aligning strongly with the expanding field of imaging genomics.
Research environment, supervision, and training
The studentship will be based in the group of Prof. Armin Raznahan (W.A. Handley Professor in Psychiatry, Oxford), recently relocated from the U.S. NIMH Intramural Program Section on Developmental Neurogenomics. The group integrates clinical, neuroimaging, and genomic methods to advance understanding and care for paediatric-onset neuropsychiatric disorders, and it places a strong emphasis on mentorship and career development.
Supervision and mentorship are internationally connected:
- Primary supervisor: Prof. Armin Raznahan (Oxford)
- Collaborating mentor/supervision: Prof. Aaron Alexander-Bloch (University of Pennsylvania, USA)
- Secondary Oxford co-supervisor: tailored to the student’s needs and preferences
You will receive training and networking opportunities spanning:
- Multimodal neuroimaging
- Creation and use of brain growth charts
- AI-driven analysis of clinically acquired scans
- Integration of neuroimaging and genomic data
Who should apply?
The studentship welcomes applicants with at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in:
- Neuroscience
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Bioinformatics
- or closely related fields
Essential
- Strong Python and/or R skills
- Clear communication skills
Desirable
- Experience in neuroimaging
- Applied data science and/or machine learning
This is a great fit if you enjoy working at the boundary of biology and computation—particularly if you want your technical work to connect to clinical relevance.
Funding details
The scholarship provides:
- Course fees up to the value of home fees
- Tax-free stipend in line with UKRI standard rate (not less than £20,780 per annum)
- Additional support for research expenses, conference attendance, and consumables
International applicants: Applications are encouraged, and the advert notes that several options may be available to cover the difference between home and overseas fees through additional funding, competitive scholarships, or self-funding.
How to apply (important details)
You apply via Oxford’s main online graduate application form and pay a £20 application fee. Your application (including supporting materials, references, and payment) must be submitted by the studentship deadline.
- Deadline: 12:00 noon (UK time), 6 February 2026
- Interview date: Week commencing 16 February 2026
- Studentship code: 26PSYCH04WEB (must be entered on the application)
Informal enquiries: raznahana@mail.nih.gov
Research foundations and reading direction
The advert includes a strong reading list covering key themes: psychiatric risk associated with CNVs, sex chromosome aneuploidies, brain vulnerability patterns in rare genetic disorders, cross-species imaging, transcriptomic cartography, and convergent/divergent brain phenotypes across rare genetic disorders. Together, these references signal a project that sits squarely in contemporary debates about how to connect:
genes → brain organisation → psychiatric risk → clinical interpretability.
Key dates at a glance
- Placed on: 8 January 2026
- Closes: 6 February 2026 (12:00 noon UK time)
- Interview: W/C 16 February 2026
- Start: October 2026
- Location: Oxford
- Mode: Full-time
- Funding for: UK & International students
- Funding amount: £20,780 per annum (UKRI-rate minimum)
