Applications are invited for a 2-year Postdoctoral Research Fellow role funded through a prestigious EPSRC Established Career Fellowship held by Professor John Terry. The position will be affiliated with the Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER) unit, a research partnership between the University of Plymouth and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, starting in May 2026.
About the role
The purpose of the role is to develop and apply mathematical models and computational algorithms to understand how perturbations to dynamic brain networks impact seizure likelihood. With an emphasis on the emerging field of digital twins for personalised health, the ultimate aim is to translate this understanding into more accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and management of epilepsy. With further substantial EPSRC support to develop community‑based EEG monitoring, there is a particular interest in solutions that enable care outside of traditional hospital settings.
Working collaboratively with researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience of epilepsy, projects will be shaped around your skills and experience.
* How does electrical stimulation reduce seizure frequency?
* Why does photic stimulation affect some people with epilepsy?
* Can we predict the likelihood of seizure recurrence post‑epilepsy surgery?
* Can data from wearable devices predict windows of increased seizure likelihood?
* Can we predict response to anti‑seizure medications from a baseline EEG?
For this role, you will need to be on site 3 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on‑site will be expected due to business needs.
Due to the nature of this role, a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check will be required.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Professor John Terry by email at john.terry@plymouth.ac.uk.
What we’re looking for
You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in mathematics, computer science, biomedical engineering, or a closely related area. You will have experience in one or more of the following: (non‑autonomous) dynamical systems, complex networks, bifurcation theory, machine learning, or data analytics. As a proficient programmer (ideally Python), you will be curiosity‑led, with exceptional communication skills, and thrive in a highly interdisciplinary environment. You will be equally comfortable communicating with theoreticians, clinicians, our commercial partners at Neuronostics, and people with lived experience of epilepsy.
This role offers a unique opportunity to conduct high‑impact research, receive strong mentorship, and build a career at the interface of mathematics, data science, and clinical neuroscience.
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Our Offer
Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.
* Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
* Generous pension scheme
* Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Development opportunities
* Enhanced family leave
* Flexible working
* Retailer discounts
* On‑site nursery
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter.
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