DPhil Studentship – Hormones, Prediction and Psychosis: How Reproductive Transitions Shape Belief Updating in the Brain

Overview

This DPhil studentship in psychiatry at the University of Oxford focuses on how reproductive transitions shape belief updating in the brain. The research investigates why vulnerability to psychosis changes across the menstrual cycle and menopause by examining whether sex hormone fluctuations alter how the brain balances prior expectations against new sensory evidence. The project is part of Oxford Psychiatry's focus on women's mental health, and the successful candidate will join Wolfson College and its interdisciplinary Mind, Brain and Behaviour Research Cluster. Supervision is provided by Rob McCutcheon, Laurence Hunt, and Dr Bodyl Brand.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent, or a relevant Master's degree in a discipline such as neuroscience, psychology, medicine, physics, computer science, engineering, or a related field. Candidates are required to have experience in independent research, quantitative and programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or R, strong communication skills, and a willingness to work with clinical populations. Desirable qualifications include prior experience in EEG, computational modelling, or clinical research.

What you get

The Wolfson Marriott Graduate Scholarship covers course fees up to the home-fee rate and provides a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate of at least £22,460 per year. Additional support is provided for research and conference attendance. Applicants eligible for overseas fees are responsible for funding the difference in tuition costs.

Requirements

Candidates must submit their application through the online graduate application form along with all supporting materials, including references, and pay the £20 application fee. Overseas-fee applicants must ensure they have funding arranged for the difference in tuition fees.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Oxford online graduate application form. All application materials, references, and the application fee must be received by the final submission deadline. Informal enquiries can be directed via email.

Key dates

The application deadline is 12:00 noon UK time on Friday, 27th November 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place during the week commencing Monday, 14th December 2026. The DPhil program begins in October 2027.