PhD Studentship: Mechanisms of normal and abnormal visual development in childhood

A 3-year PhD studentship is available at University College London with Professor Gary Rubin, Dr. Tessa Dekker, and Dr. Peter Jones. The studentship commences in September 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter, and provides a tax-free stipend (£19.000, rising by £500 each year).

The PhD student will investigate the neural mechanisms driving the development of visual perception in children with healthy and impaired vision, for example with retinal or optic nerve disease. This will be done by linking improvements or reductions in visual ability between ages 6-12 years to structural and functional changes in the eye and brain, using a novel combination of behavioural tests, eye-tracking measures, retinal- and neuroimaging methods (Adaptive Optics and fMRI).

The project will generate a unique toolset for obtaining precise measures from young vision patients, to improve earlier diagnostics and paediatric treatment evaluation. Findings will also provide new insight into the mechanisms through which experience shapes the developing visual system.

The successful candidate will have access to excellent first-class research facilities at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, and Psychology and Language Sciences. They will receive extensive training and support in all aspects of the work, which includes designing and running behavioural, eye-tracking and neuroimaging experiments, participant recruitment, data analysis, and preparation of results for presentation at conferences and in scientific journals.

The ideal candidate has an outstanding academic record, is highly self-motivated and willing to learn, and to work as a team player within an interdisciplinary environment with Vision Scientists, Neuroscientists, and Health professionals. The candidate should hold an undergraduate/master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g. psychology, neuroscience, physics, engineering, maths, computer science). Strong evidence of numeracy is essential (e.g., Maths A-level, or undergraduate level statistics). Experience with programming (e.g. Matlab, C++, Python), neuroimaging, or working with children is desirable, but not essential, as long as there is enthusiasm and aptitude to learn.

Formal applications should be submitted in the form of a CV and covering letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this project to Dr Tessa M. Dekker (t.dekker@ucl.ac.uk). Details for three references should also be provided. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Dekker before submission.

Job interview date is 30^th May 2016