If you are driven by uncovering the intricacies of the brain, fascinated by cellular signaling, and prone to thinking outside the box, a new pathway has opened for your research career.
The MIND Lab, in partnership with the BITS-RMIT Higher Degree by Research program, is seeking an ambitious doctoral candidate to investigate the mechanisms underlying severe neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.
The Research Focus: Decoding Ionotropic Receptors
At the MIND Lab, our primary objective is to understand how ionotropic receptor dysregulation contributes to neural network failure. The candidate will gain specialized hands-on expertise in whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, mapping synaptic physiology and biophysical alterations in disorders such as:
- Huntington’s Disease
- Schizophrenia
Through rigorous experimental design, you will explore how multi-factor interactions alter receptor kinetics, cellular excitability, and synaptic transmission, contributing directly to translational neuroscience.
Fellowship Highlights:
A Dual-Continent Doctoral Journey
This joint PhD program combines the academic traditions of BITS Pilani and RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia) into a single, cohesive four-year research track:
- Single Joint Degree: Graduate with a jointly awarded PhD recognized globally from both BITS Pilani and RMIT University.
- Comprehensive Financial Support: Full tuition fee waiver from RMIT alongside heavily subsidized academic fees at BITS.
- Funded Australian Residency: Spend up to one full year conducting research in Melbourne with a living stipend, overseas health cover, and return airfare provided.
- Dual Mentorship & Infrastructure: Receive direct co-supervision and access to advanced research facilities at both institutions:
- Prof. Sarah Spencer (RMIT University)
- Dr. Pragya Komal (BITS Pilani)
- Structured Roadmap: A clear four-year timeline encompassing foundational coursework, confirmation milestones, intensive laboratory research, and final thesis defense.
Candidate Profile
We welcome applications from motivated students with a background in Neuroscience, Physiology, Biotechnology, Biophysics, or related Life Sciences. Prior familiarity with electrophysiology, neuropharmacology, or advanced microscopy is beneficial, but curiosity, technical discipline, and an analytical mindset are the primary requirements.
Key Details & How to Apply
- Application Deadline: October 10, 2026
- Program Details & Portal: BITS-RMIT PhD Program
- Project Catalogue: Explore Projects & Research Areas
Take the next step in global neurobiology research by submitting your application before the deadline.
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