Topological data analysis for multimodal neuroimaging: MRI and NIRS biomarkers of brain change

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026.

Apply 

To apply please use the online application form. Simply click on the online application link below for PhD Mathematics and Statistics.
Within the research section of the application form, in the following field, please add: 
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add EPSRC DLA 26-10 Broomhead.
When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a studentship project.

Application guidance 

It is important that you follow the instructions above or your application for this studentship may be missed and therefore will not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the Doctoral College’s general information on applying for a postgraduate research degree.
For more information on the admissions process please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Director of Studies (DoS): Dr Nathan Broomhead
Second Supervisor: Dr Mariam Pirashvili
Third Supervisor: Dr Sean Fallon 
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026.

Project description 

Understanding structural and functional brain changes over time are essential for monitoring neurodegeneration and cognitive health. This project will develop new mathematical tools to analyse brain imaging data using persistent homology, a method from topological data analysis (TDA) that captures the shape and connectivity of complex data across multiple scales.
Building on recent work that applies TDA to anatomical MRI, this project will extend these approaches to functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) - a portable, low cost technique for measuring cortical activity. The project will create topological pipelines to analyse both activation patterns and functional connectivity derived from fNIRS, providing new ways of describing how they change during tasks, ageing, or disease.
A further key aim is to combine topological features from structural MRI and functional fNIRS to produce robust, interpretable biomarkers that have the potential to support early diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. 
The student on this project will gain interdisciplinary training in mathematics, data science, and neuroimaging, working closely with collaborators at the Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC). This project is ideal for students interested in applying advanced mathematical ideas to real-world health challenges.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification. A strong mathematical background is essential for this project.  Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome. 
The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a Stipend of £21,805 per annum 2026/27 rate.  The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications.  Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates.  The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.
There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.
  • The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
  • You can’t work full time while receiving a PhD stipend.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Nathan Broomhead.
How to apply
To apply, please click the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:
  • CV / résumé
  • Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying). 
  • Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
  • If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent).
Please also see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
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 12 noon on 24 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.  Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.