Leverhulme Trust funded PhD Studentship in Cognitive Psychology / Social Cognitive Neuroscience

To start
1^st October 2016

Award(s)
A 3-year full-time PhD studentship is offered in the lab of Dr Caroline Catmur, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

Project

Research carried out in Dr Catmur’s lab investigates the brain mechanisms that underlie social interaction. The current project builds on Dr Catmur’s previous research into mirror neuron responses in adult humans, and will use a combination of behavioural measures, brain stimulation, and brain imaging techniques to answer a question which addresses a key assumption underlying mirror neuron research: do mirror neurons enable humans to understand other people’s actions?

Entry requirements

Applicants should have (or be expected to obtain) a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed project. A relevant MSc degree (completed or due to complete) is desirable, for which a merit or distinction level is required.

Award types and eligibility

The studentship covers PhD course fees at the Home/EU rate; a stipend at MRC rates (approx. £16,000 per year) and a contribution towards research costs, training and conference attendance.

Non-UK EU applicants are eligible for a full award. Overseas students and those not meeting residency criteria may apply but would be required to pay the balance of fees over the Home/EU rate. English language competence criteria apply (http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/study/prospective-students/programmes-of-study/pgr/index.aspx ). International students are also encouraged to apply for funding from the KCL Graduate School (http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources/gradsch.aspx ).

Further information

Further information about Dr Catmur’s research can be found at: http://sites.google.com/site/carolinecatmur/

Further information about studying at the IoPPN can be found here:

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/study/index.aspx

How to apply

Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by 23:59 GMT, Sunday 3^rd January 2016. 

On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please select ‘Research degrees’ and enter the keyword Psychology. 

In your application, you will be asked to include:

• Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application


• Details of your qualifications (you will need to attach copies)


• Details of previous employment


• A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Please include this as an attachment rather than using the text box.


• Academic References – all admissions applications require two supporting references. If the applicant is relying on his/her referees to submit references directly to the College after he/she has submitted his/her admissions application, then the applicant must ensure that their chosen referees are made aware of the funding deadline.

In the Funding section, please tick box 5 and include the following reference: CCPsychLT16.

Please note there is no need to complete the Research Proposal section in your application as the project has already been set.

You are welcome to email Dr Caroline Catmur caroline.catmur@kcl.ac.uk (supervisor) for more information regarding the project and studentship.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Research Administrator. 

References must be received by the deadline for the applicant to be eligible. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date
2359 GMT on Sunday 3^rd January 2016

Interviews
Week commencing 25^th January 2016