PhD Studentship – Studying neural mechanisms underlying subjective perception

PhD Studentship – Studying the neural mechanisms underlying subjective perception

Applications are invited for a 3-year funded PhD studentship in the Department of Imaging Neuroscience () under the supervision of Professor Peter Kok, Principal Investigator of the Visual Perception group ().

The anticipated start date is 01 February 2027.

The Department of Imaging Neuroscience is home to the internationally renowned Functional Imaging Laboratory (FIL), which houses two 3T Siemens Prisma MRI scanners, a 7T Siemens Terra MRI scanner, a SQUID magnetoencephalography (MEG) system, and a dedicated optically-pumped MEG (OP-MEG) scanning suite.

The Visual Perception team, led by Prof Peter Kok, uses a combination of state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques (esp. 7T fMRI and MEG) to shed light on the neural underpinning of our visual perception of the world. A major insight from the past decades is that visual perception is strongly influenced by our prior knowledge and predictions. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this process are largely unknown.

A major focus of the Visual Perception team in the coming years will be the role of the hippocampus in supplying predictions to guide visual perception. We plan to investigate the computations taking place in the different hippocampal subfields and the role of hippocampal theta in coordinating predicting and perceiving.

We seek a highly motivated individual to join us in exploiting the exciting opportunities afforded by 7T fMRI and MEG to study the neural substrates of visual perception. The successful candidate will undertake high quality research using cutting‑edge human neuroimaging, for example, subfield‑specific hippocampal and layer‑specific cortical responses (using 7T fMRI) and time‑resolved decoding of the neural dynamics underlying visual predictions (using MEG and intracranial recordings).

For some analyses deep neural networks (DNNs) will be used to probe the representational contents of neural signals.

• A CV.
• A 1-page statement detailing why you want to do the PhD, and your motivation, interest and suitability for the project.
• A copy of your strongest single piece of academic work (e.g. thesis, publication.
• Contact details of two referees.

Please ensure that each document is clearly labelled with your surname.

Applicants must have an honours degree (2.1 minimum) in experimental psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science or a related discipline, and an MSc in a Neuroscience related discipline is desirable.

Experience of conducting cognitive experiments using MEG and/or 7T fMRI is essential, as are strong programming skills (e.g. in Matlab) and experience of analyzing MEG and/or 7T fMRI data, e.g. time‑resolved decoding or estimating subfield‑specific or layer‑specific BOLD responses.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, with fluency in English, good inter‑personal skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a very high level of consideration and care for research volunteers with ability to build rapport with study participants, are also required. An interest in/experience of studying visual perception is essential.

This is a fully funded 3-year PhD programme, with the starting date anticipated to be 01 February 2027.

The studentship is funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant and includes an annual stipend, starting at approximately £26,000 per year. The stipend will be supplemented to compensate for Home tuition fees (approximately £6,400 per year).

Overseas tuition fees cannot be covered.

The ERC Grant will also cover all research costs and travel and accommodation for attending conferences and workshops.

The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visitour EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities.

The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Gold award , in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce; these include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.