PhD Studentship: Investigating the Mechanisms of Action and Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Preclinical Models of Chronic Pain

Award Summary

100% of home (UK) tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 26/27)

Overview

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established treatment for chronic neuropathic pain, typically considered for patients who have not responded adequately to more conservative therapies. Despite its clinical use, the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects and the reasons for loss of efficacy over time remain poorly understood. This PhD project will investigate how different SCS paradigms influence pain processing and neuronal activity, building on our ongoing research using clinically relevant preclinical models of neuropathic pain and SCS in rats.

The project will combine behavioural, molecular and neurobiological approaches to investigate how different stimulation parameters and paradigms influence neural recruitment and the mechanisms underlying analgesia. A particular focus will be understanding why treatment efficacy may decline over time, including the role of axonal homeostasis during high-frequency stimulation. The project will also develop and validate long-term stimulation models, extending stimulation from minutes to days to better reflect clinical practice and investigate sustained neurobiological adaptations. This will provide important insights into the long-term effects of SCS and strengthen the translational relevance of preclinical research. Ultimately, the findings will advance our understanding of how SCS works, why it sometimes fails, and how stimulation protocols can be optimised to improve the durability and efficacy of treatment for patients with chronic pain.

The supervisory team brings together complementary expertise in electrophysiology, pharmacology and experimental neuroscience across multiple species, supported by successful and well-established research laboratories. The project will offer excellent multidisciplinary training and the opportunity to work in close collaboration with Saluda Medical, a global leader in spinal cord stimulation technology.

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

April 2027 preferable

Award Duration

3 years

Application Closing Date

03.12.2026

Sponsor

Newcastle University and Saluda Medical Pty Limited

Supervisors

Dr Ilona Obara: ilona.obara@newcastle.ac.uk 

Dr Alexander (Sasha) Kraskov: sasha.kraskov@newcastle.ac.uk 

Eligibility Criteria

Open to Home students only.

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. A Masters with strong research training element would be highly advantageous. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in 'Type of Study', ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2026’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8440F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT)’, and save selection. 

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘TC136’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert.

Applicants are required to upload a covering letter and an up-to-date CV as part of their application. In your covering letter, please explain how your academic background, research experience, skills and interests relate to the aims of the project. We encourage you to highlight relevant knowledge, previous research experience, technical expertise and personal attributes that demonstrate your suitability for the position, as well as your motivation and enthusiasm for undertaking this project. A research proposal is not required.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact Details

Dr Ilona Obara: ilona.obara@ncl.ac.uk