PhD Medial prefrontal cortex brain networks implicated in hallucinations

Closing Date

5 Dec 2018

Salary

£14,777

Address

Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge

Project Description

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship starting in October 2019 at the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, funded jointly by the Rosetrees Trust and Mental Health Research UK. 

The successful candidate will conduct research under the supervision of Dr Jon Simons in the Cambridge Memory Laboratory (http://www.memlab.psychol.cam.ac.uk). The project will investigate the neurocognitive basis of hallucinations, a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia, in which people experience auditory or visual stimuli that are not real. Such phenomena may reflect difficulty discriminating information perceived in the external world from information that is imagined. Previous structural and functional neuroimaging work in the laboratory has linked this discrimination difficulty with the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Building on these findings, this PhD project will involve the use of advanced structural and functional neuroimaging techniques to investigate mPFC brain network variations in people with schizophrenia. 

PhD students will have the opportunity to gain experience in a range of interdisciplinary cognitive neuroscience methods used in the Memory Laboratory including behavioural studies and computational modelling, functional neuroimaging (fMRI), electrophysiology (EEG/MEG), and brain stimulation (TMS/tDCS). Students will be provided with an extensive training in research methods and techniques, and will be a member of the Cambridge Graduate Programme in Cognitive and Brain Sciences which includes regular theoretical seminars and courses. 
 

Eligibility and Funding:

Candidates should have a first or upper second class degree in psychology or neuroscience and meet the University of Cambridge entrance requirements - see: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/entry-requirements 

The studentship will cover a stipend at the standard Research Council rate (£14,777 per annum as at 2018/19), research costs and tuition fees at the UK/EU rate, and is available for UK and EEA students who meet the UK residency requirements. Students from EEA countries who do not meet the residency requirements may still be eligible for a fees-only award. 

Candidates from outside the EEA are not eligible for this studentship and should not apply. 

Informal enquiries about the project may be made to Dr Jon Simons (jss30@cam.ac.uk). 
 

Application process:

To apply please: 

Complete the University GRADSAF application form by 5 December 2018. The course code is BLPC22 (PhD in Psychology). 

https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/how-do-i-apply 

With your GRADSAF application you will be required to submit (i) a draft research proposal outlining your suitability, why you are interested in pursuing a PhD in this area, your background and research interests. (ii) your CV stating your citizenship and years of residence in the UK (iii) copies of your academic transcripts (iv) details of two academic referees. 

Please inform Mrs Dawn Ellis (dle31@cam.ac.uk) when you have made an application, please add ‘Rosetrees/MHRUK Studentship’ to the subject line of your e-mail. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview within two weeks from the application deadline. 

The University values diversity and is committed to equality and opportunity. 

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. 

Contact Details

Dr Jon Simons: jss30@cam.ac.uk
Mrs Dawn Ellis: dle31@cam.ac.uk