PhD Studentship: A cognitive neuroscience, real time functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rtfMRI), study

An invitation for apply for a PhD Studentship Bursary (3 years)

Project area: A cognitive neuroscience, real time functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rtfMRI), study. Evaluating if attentional control in people with high trait anxiety can be enhanced through closed-loop training (CLT) using rtfMRI.

The Bursary: Funding is available for UK/EU and International* students at Home/EU rates for three years full-time study (or part-time equivalent for five years). The Bursary includes tuition fee waiver at £4,052 and stipend at £16,057 for 2015/16).*

Project Supervisors: Prof. Paul Allen, Director, Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuro-Imaging (CNNI) Lab, Department of Psychology: http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/staff/Paul-Allen/

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Allen via Paul.Allen@roehampton.ac.uk Professor Michael Eysenck, Dept of Psychology

Project area:

Difficulty concentrating is symptomatic of anxiety because attention is often compromised by biases to negative information. A relatively new brain-imaging technique called closed loop training (CLT) could be used to enhance attentional control and diminish bias to negative information. CLT using real-time functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging neurofeedback, provides a way of monitoring cognitive and underlying neural states, and allows the real-time and continuous adaption of these states to optimise performance. The technique involves simultaneously measuring and analysing the signal derived from an fMRI experiment that utilises attentional control, and feeding it back to the participant in real time.

This study aims to:

a) Examine whether participants with high levels of trait anxiety can use CLT to self-regulate or adjust their cognitive strategy and alter their neural response in real time.

b) Evaluate if specific executive operations crucial for attentional control (set shifting and inhibition) can be regulated by CLT.

The successful candidate will

• Develop, manage and complete the research project (participant recruitment and fMRI data collection).


• Participate in research and training activities.


• Write their PhD thesis including papers for publication in peer reviewed journals.


• Participate in relevant meetings/ seminars. 


• Disseminate their research in the scientific community and non-scientific community, by outreach and public engagement.

Additional responsibilities will include:

Teaching Assistant duties on the research methods programme across the curriculum, providing up to 6 hours per week and for up to 20 weeks of the year. Research students are not permitted to carry out more than 6 hours work outside their studies ‘(including the 6 hours assistance with teaching) for 45 weeks per year.

Eligibility, Qualifications and how to apply:

In order to be eligible, applicants should hold a first class or upper second class honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualification) and a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related subject (psychology/cognitive neuroscience). A strong cognitive neuroscience background and experience in MRI research and data analysis are desirable but not essential.

The successful candidate should be available to start on 1 October 2016.

To apply, please email the following to pgresearch@roehampton.ac.uk   

1. A copy of your CV including copies of your academic qualifications.


2. Contact details of two academic referees.


3. A cover letter stating the reasons you are applying for this studentship and outlining your expertise and relevant skills.


4. Completed Application Form for PhD Study (RDB1b) downloadable at http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/Courses/Graduate-School/Funding/

The closing date for completed applications is: 14 April 2016

Interviews will be held on: 5 May 2016

http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/Working-at-Roehampton

*International recipients of this studentship will only be covered to Home/EU rates, and be expected to make up the difference between Home/EU and International tuition fee rates.