PhD Studentship - Visual Cognitive Computational Neuroscience

PhD Studentship - Visual Cognitive Computational Neuroscience

University of Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom

General Description - include all relevant details from the source

The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship in Visual Cognitive Computational Neuroscience based within the Jozwik Lab at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit. This four-year doctoral research position, funded through University studentships and beginning in October 2026, supports investigations into how behaviourally relevant visual and semantic dimensions are represented and computed in the human brain. The successful candidate will engage with interdisciplinary research combining cognitive science, neuroscience, and computational modelling, and will work with human behavioural and brain imaging data (fMRI, M/EEG), conduct cross-species analyses with electrophysiological datasets, and apply machine learning and biologically-inspired deep learning models (NeuroAI). Research aims include characterising visual and semantic representation dimensions, modelling perceptions of animacy, and exploring ecological validity using immersive technologies such as mobile EEG or virtual/augmented reality. The environment offers access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities, collaborative international research networks, and opportunities to contribute to rigorous, open science. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion across its community.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should satisfy the academic and eligibility requirements for admission to a PhD programme at the University of Cambridge and qualify for UK Home fee status (home fees only). Candidates are expected to hold, or be in the process of completing, a relevant graduate qualification such as an undergraduate degree with substantial research experience, a research-oriented Master's (e.g., MPhil), or equivalent.

Required expertise/skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Extensive programming and data analysis experience, especially in Python or Matlab (coursework coding alone is unlikely to be sufficient).
• Substantial research experience, for example through an MPhil/Master's thesis or research assistant roles.
• Experience designing, collecting and analysing behavioural and neuroimaging (fMRI, M/EEG) data.
• Familiarity with machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques.
• A collaborative approach to scientific research and strong motivation to advance the research programme.

Salary details

This is a fully funded studentship covering home fee status and providing a stipend in line with University of Cambridge PhD studentships (specific stipend amounts should be confirmed through the University's postgraduate funding information).

Application Deadline

Closing date for applications: 13 March 2026.