PhD: Machine Learning Methods for Cognitive Neuroscience

Vacancy Reference Number
CSEE/PSYCH/JAN19/01
Closing Date
24 Aug 2018
Salary
£14,777 a stipend equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£14,777 in 2018-19)
Address
University of Essex - Colchester

Faculty of Science and Health Studentship – for start date of January 2019

The Schools of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and Psychology in the Faculty of Science and Health at the University of Essex is pleased to announce a PhD studentship available for the multidisciplinary project “Online interpretable real-time EEG analytics for the rapid interpretation of brain processes, clinical diagnosis and disease management”.

This studentship will start from 14 January 2019 and the successful applicant will receive a scholarship for three years (subject to satisfactory progression).

The studentship includes:

  • a fee waiver equal to the Home/EU fee (for 2018/19, £ £4,410). International students will need to pay the balance of their fees.
  • a stipend equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£14,777 in 2018-19)

This project will involve the development of computational intelligence methods and data visualisation for Cognitive Neuroscience studies involving electroencephalography (EEG). The student will design and develop machine learning models that objectively deal with uncertainty, partial truth and ambivalence inherent in brain responses that reflect recognition of specific sensory stimuli or current observer state, while putting emphasis on expressiveness and interpretability of the learned models. This novel computational framework will be intelligible by psychologists, health practitioners and mental health professionals, and will help make neuroscientific data accessible to untrained observers (e.g., students, media, general public).

The applicant will also get the opportunity to perform experimental research in cognitive neuroscience specifically in multisensory processes involving somatosensation (embodiment). The University’s centre for Brain Science houses state-of-the-art equipment to measure physiological responses.

Address additional questions to Dr Andreu (javier.andreu@essex.ac.uk), Dr Gillmeister (helge@essex.ac.uk) or Dr Hagras (hani@essex.ac.uk)

Entry Requirements

The successful candidate is expected to speak fluent English and meet our English Language requirements, if applicable, and will have a good honours BSc or BEng degree (1st class or high 2:1, or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computational Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, Statistics, Biostatistics, Bioengineering, Mathematics, Physics or related subjects.

An MSc with Merit or Distinction is desirable (but not essential for students with a first class degree). Strong analytical and mathematical skills are required, and good programming skills, preferably in general-purpose languages (Python, JavaScript, C# or similar). Knowledge of EEG signal processing, machine learning and data visualisation is desirable but not essential.

How to Apply

  • Please note on your PG Admissions application form in the ‘Proposed research topic or area of research’ field that you wish to apply for this scholarship, quoting Ref (CSEE/PSYCH/JAN19/01).
  • Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend interviews during w/c 10 September 2018.
  • Successful applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application for their PhD course and the scholarship award by the end of September 2018.

Information on our current areas of research can be accessed at the following links: Computer Science: research interests and staff profiles in Computer Science https://www.essex.ac.uk/departments/computer-science-and-electronic-engineering/people/academicCentre of Brain Science: http://www.research-facilities.essex.ac.uk/psychology/

If you have a disability and would like information in a different format telephone (01206) 873521/874588.