--- Happy New Year & Apologize for cross-posting ---

**2x Funded PhD positions in Learning & Decision Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham, UK**

Dr. Lei Zhang (https://lei-zhang.net/), is looking for 2x PhD students interested in the cognitive, computational, and neural basis of (social) learning and decision-making in health and disease. The deadline for applications is in January 2023 to start in autumn 2023.

The newly opened ALP(E)N Lab (Adaptive Learning Psychology and Neuroscience Lab) addresses the fundamental question of the “adaptive brain” by studying the cognitive, computational, and neurobiological basis of (social) learning and decision-making in healthy individuals (across the lifespan), and in psychiatric disorders. We combine an array of approaches including neuroimaging, patient studies and computational modelling (particularly hierarchical Bayesian modelling) with behavioural paradigms inspired by learning theories. The lab has a strong emphasis on equality, diversity and supporting lab members to thrive.

The lab is based at the Centre for Human Brain Health ( https://birmingham.ac.uk/research/centre-human-brain-health/index.aspx) and Institute of Mental Health ( https://birmingham.ac.uk/research/mental-health/index.aspx) at the University of Birmingham, UK, with access to exceptional facilities including MRI, MEG, TMS, and fNIRS.

Funding is available through two competitive schemes from the BBSRC ( https://www.ukri.org/councils/bbsrc/) and MRC ( https://www.ukri.org/councils/mrc/) that provide a stipend, fees (at UK rate) and a research allowance, amongst other benefits. International (ie, outside UK) applicants are welcome.

The BBSRC project "Unravelling adaptive and flexible learning behaviour under social dynamics in health and disease" is in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Apps (Birmingham). Link to details: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/unravelling-adaptive-and-flexible-lear...

The MRC Project "Neurocomputational mechanisms of self-referencing in social anxiety" is in collaboration with Dr. Patricia Lockwood (Birmingham), Dr. Mark Haselgrove (Nottingham) and Dr. Mona Garvert (London, as Industry Partner) Link to details: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/neurocomputational-mechanisms-of-self-...

Interested candidates should first send their CV and a short statement of research intentions by 9th January 2023 to Dr. Lei Zhang ( l.zhang.13@bham.ac.uk) before applying through the schemes, as only a small number of applicants can be put forward. Informal inquiries should also be directed to Dr. Lei Zhang.

Many thanks, Lei

Dr. Lei Zhang Principal Investigator/Associate Professor Centre for Human Brain Health & Institute for Mental Health School of Psychology University of Birmingham, UK

e: l.zhang.13@bham.ac.uk w: lei-zhang.net t: @lei_zhang_lz