Ph.D. Studentship in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
University of Southampton
Applications are invited for a Ph.D. studentship to begin in October 2013. The studentship will cover tuition fees for UK/EU applicants and provide a maintenance grant at a rate comparable with other UK Research Council studentships. International Students from outside the EU may also apply, but will be liable for the difference between UK/EU and International (OS) tuition fees (UK/EU: £3,900, OS: £16,990 - 2013/14 rate, subject to annual increase).
The successful applicant would be based in the Developmental Brain-Behaviour Laboratory (DBBL) in the School of Psychology, and be supervised by Dr Graeme Fairchild and Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke. The DBBL is a vibrant and internationally-renowned research group with a strong focus on developmental psychopathology.
The proposed project, which is funded by the FP7 Health Framework of the European Commission, will involve characterising the neurobiology of Conduct Disorder in children and adolescents, with a particular focus on Conduct Disorder in females. The study will incorporate both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches, and data collection will occur at multiple sites across Europe. The Southampton arm of the project will involve structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuropsychological testing, psychophysiological methods, and diagnostic interviewing.
The Ph.D. student would work with the Principal Investigator, Dr Graeme Fairchild, and the post-doctoral Research Fellow to recruit participants, carry out diagnostic interviews, and run structural and functional MRI experiments. They would also help to collect neuropsychological data and DNA samples. The successful candidate would play a key role in analysing data, preparing scientific articles for publication and disseminating results at scientific conferences and meetings. He/she will gain experience of working with clinical populations and undergo training in the collection and analysis of MRI data, using packages such as SPM, FSL, and MRtrix. He/she will also learn to carry out diagnostic interviews using DSM criteria, and administer neuropsychological, cognitive, and psychometric assessments.
Applicants must have or be close to obtaining a M.Sc. in Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroimaging, or a related subject, with at least a 2.1 in their first degree. A high level of motivation and excellent interpersonal and organisational skills are essential. Experience of working with adolescents or clinical populations would be advantageous. Previous experience of MRI methods is highly desirable, but not essential.
The deadline for applications is 5 pm on the 22nd May 2013.
If you have specific questions or would like to request more information about the above project, please contact Dr Graeme Fairchild at g.f.fairchild@soton.ac.uk
Prospective candidates are required to apply for this studentship using the University of Southampton on-line application system. A copy of the on-line application form and guidance notes can be found at the following website: http://www.soton.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgstudy/howdoiapplypg.html via the Apply button below.
Please indicate in the funding section of the application form that you wish to be considered specifically for this studentship, and e-mail Claire Caffrey (psych-pgr.fshs@soton.ac.uk) to indicate you have applied.
For any enquiries about the application process, please contact Dr Fairchild or the Graduate School Administrative Officer, Claire Caffrey (E-mail: psych-pgr.fshs@soton.ac.uk ; Tel 02380 593476).
