3 years funded PhD

New insights into ADHD through behavioural and modelling studies

Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship within the Division of Psychology, Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences, Birmingham City University. Applicants need to demonstrate ability and commitment, including excellent communications skills in written and spoken English.

Project Synopsis:

There are many limitations on the behaviour of complex neural systems, but one primary constraint is to filter incoming input in order that actions can be programmed to behaviourally relevant stimuli. A major challenge for current-day researchers is to understand how (and why) these limitations arise, especially in conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) where the attentional system is dysfunctional. The main aim of this project is to identify and understand the differences in visual attention between children diagnosed with ADHD and typically functioning children and the role of diet in this. This Ph.D. thesis aims to do this using a novel interdisciplinary approach, behavioural and computational modelling study. The PhD is in collaboration with Prof. John Clibbens and Dr Amy Cook.

The successful applicant will join the Centre for Applied Psychological Research (CAP Research) within the Department of Psychology at Birmingham City University. This centre is part of a vibrant and rapidly expanding research community, which offers applicants with an excellent opportunity to develop their research career. The applicant will have the opportunity to have teaching experience, to participate to research seminars and to co-supervise undergraduate projects.

For more information please contact Dr Eirini Mavritsaki (Eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk).

For application and interview dates please see below, Deadline of Application 28^th of April.

Candidate Qualification and Specifications:

Essential

Ø The applicant should hold a good undergraduate honours degree (First or 2:1) in psychology or a related area to the topic.

Ø A demonstrated understanding of research methods is essential (as evidenced by degree transcript grades for research methods and dissertation modules).

Ø The applicant will be expected to undertake and pass Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

Ø The applicant should enjoy working with children.

Ø Experience in C++ and/or Matlab.

Desirable

Ø A Masters’ degree in research methods, psychology or a computational modelling.

Ø Work experience (voluntary or paid) in schools or experience working with children.

Ø Access to a car and a valid driving licence.

Ø Computational modelling experience.

Application Process (Deadline of application 28^th of April)

You can find further details on studying for a PhD and details of how to apply on the following link http://www.bcu.ac.uk/social-sciences/courses/research-degrees

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions for the application and to express interest.

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Eirini Mavritsaki, PhD, CPsychol

Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology

Director of Research in the School of Social Sciences

Department of Psychology

Faculty of Business Law and Social Sciences

Birmingham City University
The Curzon Building
4 Cardigan Street
Birmingham
B4 7BD
eirini.mavritsaki@bcu.ac.uk
0121 331 6361

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