Applications are invited for a fully funded 3-year Ph.D. studentship in Cognitive Computational Neuroscience at Ulster University, UK. This Ph.D. project aims to develop computational modelling techniques to understand brain and behavioural data across primate species, and to apply techniques in computational neuroscience particularly biologically based neural network modelling to elucidate the mechanisms underlying abstract decision making.

This Ph.D. project is part of an externally funded international collaboration: Prof. Michael Shadlen at Columbia University (USA), Prof. Stephan Bickel at Northwell-Hofstra School of Medicine (USA), Prof. Redmond O'Connell at Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), Prof. Simon Kelly at University College Dublin (Ireland), and Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin at Ulster University (UK).

Some relevant references:
(i) O'Connell RG, Shadlen MN, Wong-Lin K, Kelly SP. Bridging Neural and Computational Viewpoints on Perceptual Decision-Making. Trends Neurosci. 2018;41(11):838‐852. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2018.06.005
(ii) Atiya NAA, Rañó I, Prasad G, Wong-Lin K. A neural circuit model of decision uncertainty and change-of-mind. Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):2287. doi:10.1038/s41467-019-10316-8
(iii) O'Connell RG, Dockree PM, Kelly SP. A supramodal accumulation-to-bound signal that determines perceptual decisions in humans. Nat Neurosci. 2012;15(12):1729‐1735. doi:10.1038/nn.3248

This timely and exciting project is available in the Computer Science Research Institute and is tenable in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Magee Campus. The successful Ph.D. candidate will benefit from the expertise of Ulster’s Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Machine Learning, and Computational Biology communities, and will interact closely with experimental collaborators. The student will gain valuable skills and knowledge in computational and mathematical modelling, biological signal processing, machine learning, high-performance computing, mathematics/statistics, and brain sciences.

All applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Neuroscience, Biology, or a cognate area. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis with regard to the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience and interests. Successful candidates will enrol as of 1st January 2021, on a full-time programme of research studies leading to the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

The Ph.D. studentship will comprise fees together with an annual stipend and will be awarded for a period of up to three years subject to satisfactory progress. Additional financial support may be available from research funding.

If you wish to discuss your proposal or receive advice on this project please contact: 
Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin, email: k.wong-lin@ulster.ac.uk .

Procedure:
For more information on applying:  
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege

Apply online:
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd?type=funded

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 31st August 2020.

Interviews will be held in September 2020, and starting date is on 1st January 2021.

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Dr. KongFatt Wong-Lin
Reader
Intelligent Systems Research Centre
School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems
Ulster University, UK
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/staff/k-wong-lin



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