Developing reliable and objective neural markers of cognitive processing speed deficits in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis using novel OPM-MEG technologies

Processing speed difficulties affect many children with neurological conditions and can have significant consequences for education, daily functioning, and long-term outcomes. In children with POMS, around 30% show below-threshold performance on processing speed tasks, highlighting a clear clinical need for better tools to measure these abilities reliably.

In this PhD, you will help develop new neurophysiological markers that could transform how clinicians monitor cognitive change in young patients.

Processing speed difficulties affect many children with neurological conditions and can have significant consequences for education, daily functioning, and long-term outcomes. In children with POMS, around 30% show below-threshold performance on processing speed tasks, highlighting a clear clinical need for better tools to measure these abilities reliably.

In this PhD, you will help develop new neurophysiological markers that could transform how clinicians monitor cognitive change in young patients.

About the Project

This project explores how brain activity supports processing speed in children and young people. You will use Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG), a cutting-edge neuroimaging technology that allows us to record brain activity with millisecond precision while participants perform cognitive tasks.

Unlike traditional neuropsychological tests, which are influenced by practice effects, neural markers may provide objective and repeatable measures of cognitive change. The project aims to develop a neural signature of processing speed that clinicians could use for monitoring disease progression and treatment response.

Your research will combine clinical neuropsychology, neuroimaging, and computational modelling. The work includes recording brain activity during standardized cognitive assessments and modelling behavioural responses to understand the underlying cognitive processes.

What you will do?

During the PhD you will:

• Record and analyse brain activity using OPM-MEG while participants complete cognitive tasks
• Study how neural activity supports processing speed in both healthy participants and young people with POMS
• Use computational models (such as hierarchical drift diffusion models) to analyse behavioural data from reaction time tasks
• Apply advanced analysis methods such as time-delay embedded Hidden Markov Models to identify dynamic brain states associated with cognitive processing
• Contribute to the design and delivery of a clinical neuroscience study involving children and young people
• Present your work at international conferences and publish research in leading scientific journals

Research Environment

You will join the Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment at Aston University, working with an interdisciplinary supervisory team with expertise in clinical neurology, neuroimaging, and computational cognitive neuroscience.

The project includes collaboration with Birmingham Children’s Hospital, one of the UK’s leading centres for pediatric multiple sclerosis care. This collaboration provides direct access to clinical expertise and patient cohorts.

Why join us?

This project offers the opportunity to:

• Work with cutting-edge neuroimaging technology rarely available in clinical settings
• Contribute to research that could improve how cognitive changes are monitored in neurological disease
• Develop advanced analytical and computational neuroscience skills
• Collaborate with clinicians, neuroscientists, and patients to translate research into real clinical impact

The successful applicant should hold the equivalent of a UK First or Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree from an approved university or higher education institution. They should also hold, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree with an overall weighted average of 60% in a relevant subject. 

Desirable / Essential Skills or Experience

• A strong background in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related field, with a keen interest in clinical translation.
• Any previous experience working with human neuroimaging data (or similar), with a focus on time-series data (such as EEG, MEG or fMRI) is desirable but not essential - support will be given to anyone newly transitioning into this field.
• Practical experience using any of the major programming languages (i.e. Python, MATLAB, R etc.) for data processing or analysis would be highly beneficial.
• Previous experience working with children and their families is highly desirable, with added benefit if these interactions were with clinical pediatric populations.

The studentship-holder will be subject to DBS-checks.

Financial Support

This project covers the Home tuition fees and includes an annual stipend of £21,805. International applicants may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees each year. The fee difference for 2026/7 is £17,712.

Please note that the successful candidate will be responsible for any costs relating to moving to Birmingham and/or visiting the Aston campus. International students must meet the financial requirements for the visa, flights, and NHS Surcharge. Applicants should be confident that they can meet these costs before applying.

Further information can be found here: Financial Requirements | Aston University
 

International Applicants

International applicants may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees each year. The fee difference for 2026/7 is £17,712.

Apply now

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk

Main Supervisor                 Dr Daniel Griffiths-King

Associate Supervisors     Dr Caroline Witton, Professor Evangeline Wassmer and Dr Craig Hedge

For enquiries about this project, contact Dr Dan Griffiths-King at d.griffiths-king@aston.ac.uk.

PhD programmes are for those who are seeking to develop greater in-depth knowledge in a specific area. Completing this level of study is about making an original contribution to knowledge, making new discoveries and developing lifelong skills. 

Studying a PhD is great route into academia and industries that are centred on research and innovation. Areas with a demand for very high level and specialised research skills often demand PhDs.

In addition to this specialist knowledge, PhD education will help you to develop a set of valuable transferrable skills. The very nature of studying an intensive research degree will enable you to become a team player, develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and advanced presentation and communication skills.