PhD An Investigation into the Somatosensory, Olfactory and Gustatory Processes Driving Oral Behaviours

Closing Date

31 Dec 2018

Salary

£18,553

Address

Liverpool John Moores University

We are seeking an excellent candidate with a background in cognitive neuroscience/psychology and interests in human multisensory processing. The studentship has a specific focus on oral sensory, perceptual and affective mechanisms. Oral-based behaviours are highly multisensory, engaging all of the main senses, but here our focus is on how touch, taste and smell ‘collaborate’ in such behaviours. These are largely non-interrogatable processes if assessed using explicit self-report measures so an in-depth knowledge of the underlying sensory and perceptual mechanisms, as well as implicit measurement of affect and behaviour, will be required.

Project Detail:

This project is a BRSC CASE award, co-sponsored by Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK). It is based on Professor McGlone’s research interests in the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms underlying oral multisensory processing, and the links between sensation and affect. Oral sensations – driven by receptors that code for i) touch, temperature, pain (Vth cranial neve), ii) taste (VIIth, IXth, Xth cranial nerves), and iii) smell (Ist cranial nerve) - underpin a range of ingestive and oral hygiene behaviours; yet we know relatively little about how these sensory cues contribute to oral perception, particularly during infant/child development.

The proposed research will investigate mechanisms of multisensory perception using a combination of psychophysical, neurophysiological, cognitive and behavioural measurements in human subjects. The knowledge gained will generate novel insights into the psychological and neural mechanisms of multisensory integration in humans and, although not a specific requirement of the studentship, it is expected to drive innovation in GSK’s oral health care products. The project offers opportunities to develop experience and skills in human multisensory research, sensory neuroscience and psychophysics within a vibrant collaborative environment, providing the successful candidate with the knowledge & experience to make them a highly competitive candidate for a postdoctoral research position either in academia or a relevant industry environment.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should possess a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) and preferably a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Neuroscience or Psychology or a relevant biomedical related subject.

Funding Notes:

The PhD candidate will benefit from a three-year studentship that includes an enhanced BBSRC tax-free annual stipend of £18,553 per annum and UK/EU tuition fees. The candidate will be required to spend up to 3 months over the course of the 3-year studentship at the GSK Oral Health in Weybridge, Surrey, where they will contribute to translation of academic research into industrial impact.

References:

Informal enquiries and applications to Professor Francis McGlone (f.p.mcglone@ljmu.ac.uk) and/or Assoc. Professor Susannah Walker (S.C.Walker@ljmu.ac.uk)

Applicants should email a CV, a covering letter detailing why you are suitable for the position, and contact details of two referees to Professor McGlone/ Assoc. Professor Walker. Applicants must be available for interview (which will take place shortly after the closing date for applications)

Contact Details

Professor Francis McGlone: f.p.mcglone@ljmu.ac.uk
Professor Susannah Walker: S.C.Walker@ljmu.ac.uk