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PhD study at NOX Lab

NOX Lab is part of the Biological Learning Group (BLG) within Computational and Biological Learning (CBL), Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge. Our research community includes Guillaume Hennequin, Máté Lengyel, Tim O’Leary and Yashar Ahmadian.

Research fit

We welcome interest from applicants who want to understand nervous-system function through neural computation and neurotechnology. Relevant backgrounds include neuroscience, engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science and related disciplines. An interest in biological questions, quantitative reasoning and a willingness to work across disciplines are central to our research.

Start with our research themes and recent publications. Consider which questions interest you, how your experience connects to them and what you would like to learn during a PhD.

Before you apply

You are welcome to email Professor Flavia Mancini with a CV and a short description of your research interests and why you would like to join NOX Lab. You can also contact our PhD students to ask about working in the group.

Contacting a supervisor before applying is optional. An informal enquiry does not replace a formal application; do not wait for an email reply if a deadline is approaching.

Preparing your application

Use your application to explain your academic preparation, research experience and scientific interests. Describe your own contribution to previous projects, the questions you addressed and what you learned. Choose referees who can give specific examples of your abilities and potential for research.

For your research statement, outline a question that interests you, explain why it matters and describe how you might approach it. Connect your ideas to relevant work and to the lab’s research. A focused, thoughtful account is more useful than an ambitious list of topics.

How to apply

Apply for the PhD in Engineering through Cambridge’s Applicant Portal. For an application to NOX Lab, name Professor Flavia Mancini as your proposed supervisor and provide the required research summary.

Prepare your CV, transcripts and two references, along with the course-specific statements and any required evidence of English proficiency. The course currently lists a separate, longer research proposal as optional; some scholarships, including Gates Cambridge, require one. Check the course page for the complete requirements for your entry year.

Funding and deadlines

Plan your application around the funding deadlines, which can fall earlier than the final course deadline. Explore the University’s funding guidance early and check each scheme’s eligibility and application process. Indicate the funding you wish to be considered for in your application where requested.

Check the current course and funding deadlines, and allow time for your referees to submit their references. Admission and funding are competitive; an enquiry or application does not guarantee a place or financial support.

Collaborations

If you are interested in collaborating, please get in touch with Flavia at flavia.mancini@eng.cam.ac.uk.

Erasmus and visiting graduate students

Flavia welcomes Erasmus students and visiting graduate students whose interests align with the lab’s research. To discuss a visit, email flavia.mancini@eng.cam.ac.uk with a CV, a brief description of your research interests and your proposed visit dates. Visitors must arrange their own funding.

Short undergraduate internships

Flavia very rarely takes students for short undergraduate internships and receives more enquiries for these placements than she can reply to. Please bear this in mind when getting in touch.