PhD Studentship in Translational Computational Psychiatry

PhD Studentship in Translational Computational Psychiatry

University College London (UCL) is offering a fully funded PhD Studentship in Translational Computational Psychiatry within the Division of Psychiatry. This doctoral research opportunity focuses on advancing the understanding of mental health disorders through computational psychiatry approaches that bridge neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, and data science.

The successful candidate will join a leading interdisciplinary research environment and contribute to innovative research aimed at improving the mechanistic understanding, prediction, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The project will involve the application of computational modeling, statistical analysis, machine learning techniques, and the integration of behavioral, clinical, and neurobiological data to address key challenges in mental health research.

The studentship provides an opportunity to work with internationally recognized researchers in computational psychiatry and mental health sciences while benefiting from UCL’s extensive research infrastructure, training programs, and collaborative networks. The candidate will undertake independent doctoral research, participate in academic dissemination activities, contribute to publications and conferences, and engage with multidisciplinary research teams.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Relevant fields may include Psychology, Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, or related quantitative disciplines.
• A relevant Master’s degree is desirable but may not be mandatory depending on academic background and experience.
• Applicants must satisfy UCL’s PhD admission requirements.
• Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in mental health research and computational approaches to psychiatry.
• International and domestic applicants are eligible subject to UCL admission and funding requirements.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Knowledge of computational modeling, machine learning, or related quantitative methodologies
• Programming experience in relevant languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or equivalent tools
• Interest in psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, or mental health research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills suitable for academic research and publication
• Commitment to research excellence and doctoral-level scholarship

The studentship is fully funded and includes coverage of tuition fees together with a stipend in accordance with the applicable UKRI/UCL studentship funding arrangements. Additional details are subject to the funding terms specified by UCL.