Liverpool John Moores University
PhD Studentships in Applied Neuroscience/Psychophysiology
School of Natural Sciences and Psychology

EDIT: Application closed

Please quote Ref: IRC544

Applications are invited for two PhD studentships in the School of Natural Sciences and Psychology. The studentships consist of a tax-free stipend (currently £13,590 per annum for the 2010-2011 academic year) and tuition fees.

We seek candidates with a strong research background and interest in physiological computing research (http://www.physiologicalcomputing.net/) for a new research project funded by the EU. Specifically we are seeking to fund studentships in two areas associated with this project: –

1. Neuroaesthetics: The research is concerned with neuroaesthetics as an applied area of investigation. The goal of the research is to capture perceptual, emotional and motivational responses to an object using a range of measures from the brain and body. We are interested in the extent to which implicit neurological and autonomic responses can be used to predict outcomes related to aesthetic experience, e.g. preference. Applicants are expected to hold a qualification in Psychology or a related discipline.
2. Real-time classification of the psychophysiological response: The research is concerned with the development of real-time classification algorithms to measure cognitive engagement. This studentship requires expertise in real-time signal processing and classification algorithms, e.g. regression trees, artificial neural nets. We are interested in developing an algorithm based on ambulatory data collection from the brain and body. Applicants are expected to hold a qualification in Psychology or Computer Science or a related discipline.

More background information on both studentships is available by email from Dr. Stephen Fairclough at s.fairclough (at) ljmu.ac.uk. Please indicate which studentship you wish to apply for in your email.

Detailed information regarding the School of Natural Sciences and Psychology is available at http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/nsp/. Applicants should hold a good (first class or upper second class) Honours degree or Masters degree (or an overseas equivalent from a recognized University). The expected starting date for the PhD studies is 1st April 2011 or earlier.

Application procedure: Please submit the following: –

1. Full CV.
2. Completed “Postgraduate Application Form” (downloadable from http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/RGSO/100087.htm); the form must include full home address and all contact details.
3. 1-page statement of interest in the research area (please indicate whether your application is for studentship 1 or 2).
4. Two references (from independent and verifiable e-mail addresses, if sent by e-mail).
5. Certified translations of relevant transcripts and diplomas (for overseas applicants) or copies of transcripts and diplomas (UK/EU applicants).
6. Proof of English language knowledge (overseas applicants only; minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.00).

By e-mail to Dr. Stephen Fairclough at s.fairclough (at) ljmu.ac.uk or by mail to S. Fairclough, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK. The “Postgraduate Application Form” must clearly state the nationality/residence status in the UK, as well as the area in which the applicant would like to pursue PhD research.

Closing date: 18 February 2011

Studentship Offer: Word Doc