PhD Studentship in Cognitive Neuroscience of Motor Control and Coordination, Bangor University, UK

Applications are invited for a 3-yr PhD studentship, funded by School of Psychology, Bangor University (UK), and supervised by Dr Jörn Diedrichsen. The studentship is available from earliest October 1st, 2008 (start date flexible). Applications are accepted until the Position is filled, the review of Applications is starting on September 13th. The studentship is funded at ESRC rates, currently GBP12,940 per year.

The student will join the laboratory for Human Motor Control Lab, Bangor. Work in the laboratory focuses on the computational principles and neural underpinnings of human motor control, especially in the areas of bimanual coordination and function of the cerebellum. In behavioral studies we use robotic devices to simulate novel objects and new dynamic environments, and study how healthy participants learn and perform novel tasks.

We develop computational models of coordination to understand the problems the brain solves as we interact with the environment. Neural underpinnings of these processes are studied using fMRI in which subjects perform or learn well-controlled motor tasks using fMRI-compatible robotic devices. Finally, studies with patients with lesions in the cerebellum allow us to test specific hypotheses about the functional role of the cerebellum. The PhD project will consist of an associated but independent series of studies related to this work.

The Studentship will be undertaken within the School of Psychology, which was given the top rating of 5*A in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. The School houses a 3T MRI scanner, and a number of robotic and eye tracking devices (also fMRI-compatible) to record and manipulate movements. The School offers a thriving research and learning environment in the Clinical and Cognitive Neurosciences – for more information go to http://www.psychology.bangor.ac.uk/. Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Jörn Diedrichsen, e-mail j.diedrichsen[ at ]bangor.ac.uk.

Applicants with a Masters degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Engineering, or a related field are preferred. Minimal requirement for application is a first or upper second class honours BA degree in a relevant field. The studentship is for three years (PhD only) and provides fees and a maintenance grants. School studentships are open to any applicant.

International students are welcome to apply, but funding is currently only available at the Home/EU level.. Studentship offers may be subject to a successful Criminal Records Bureau check.

Applications should take the form of (1) a full academic CV, (2) a cover-letter stating research interests and how you might develop the project, and (3) two letters of reference from appropriate academic referees relating directly to your application (with telephone numbers and emails for confirmation). These should be sent to:

Everil McQuarrie, PhD Administrator,
School of Psychology, Bangor University,
Adeilad Brigantia, Penrallt Road, Bangor,
Gwynedd, LL57 2AS.
Telephone 01248 383671.

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.