Understanding how the brain works, and how it gives rise to mental function is one of the most exciting challenges in science. This effort is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing upon developments in molecular and cell biology, genetic engineering, cognitive and social psychology, as well as in chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics for new methods of measuring and understanding neural function.

To help prepare the next generation of neuroscientists for these challenges, Princeton offers an interdisciplinary program leading to the degree of doctor of philosophy in biology and neuroscience, chemistry and neuroscience, engineering and neuroscience, applied and computational mathematics and neuroscience, philosophy and neuroscience, physics and neuroscience, or psychology and neuroscience. The program encourages the serious study of molecular, cellular, developmental and systems neuroscience as it interfaces with cognitive and behavioral research. Current examples at Princeton include: molecular, genetic and pharmacologic analysis of learning and memory, the role of neural stem cells in the adult brain, viral infections of the nervous system, optical and electrical recordings of neuronal function, brain imaging studies of cognitive functions such as attention and memory in humans, and mathematical and computational analysis of neural network function. A more extensive listing of research opportunities in neuroscience is available here.

Candidates should apply to one of the cooperating home departments, which include the Departments of Chemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, departments in the School of Engineering, and the Program in Applied and Computational Mathematics. The candidate should fulfill the admission requirements of the chosen department.

Fellowship awards and assistantship appointments are made by the University after recommendation by the cooperating departments and with the concurrence of the committee.