Dear all,
A fully-funded PhD position in computational neuroscience is available with Dr Hazem Toutounji (University of Sheffield, UK).
Project title: Flexible or Flawed? A Computational Neuroscience Approach to Learning Strategies and Psychiatric Traits
In our complex and ever-changing world, humans are constantly faced with a flood of sensory information. To make effective and timely decisions, the brain cannot possibly process every single detail. Instead, it is thought to rely on intelligent "cognitive shortcuts" or simple strategies (heuristics) to simplify complex problems. This allows for rapid and flexible learning, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well understood.
When are these shortcuts deployed? How does the brain select the right strategy for the task at hand? How does it know when a shortcut is no longer working and a new strategy is needed? And how are the selection and efficiency of those shortcuts influenced by common psychiatric traits such as anxiety and impulsivity?
This 3.5-year fully-funded PhD studentship provides an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of computational modelling, cognitive neuroscience, and computational psychiatry. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in all required methods.
Position available for UK students only
Application deadline: February 4th 2026
PhD start date: October 1st 2026
Further information on the project, requirements, and how to apply can be found here:
Please note: Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact me (h.toutounji@sheffield.ac.uk) to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.
Best wishes,
Hazem