This project is funded by:
Decision making is a hallmark of intelligence and a basic building block for cognition that is essential to almost all our mental activities. Consequently, its disruption is central to the cognitive impairments associated with a wide variety of brain disorders. Hence, delineating the key neural mechanisms and computations through which decisions are formed are central to our understanding of intelligence and diagnosis of cognitive deficits. However, the key mechanisms the brain utilises for making abstract decisions are still unclear.
The aim of this 3-year PhD project is to develop computational techniques and models to understand brain and behavioural data across primate species. Specifically, the project will apply techniques in computational neuroscience, particularly biologically based neural network modelling, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying perceptual decisions abstracted from movements. The project will also apply machine learning methods to analyse various types of neural and behavioural data.
This PhD project is part of an ambitious externally funded 5-year research project proposes to break new ground by integrating data from multimodal human and non-human primate neurophysiology with computational modelling to gain convergent insights into how and where abstract decision mechanisms take place in the human and monkey brain, and provide an unprecedented, detailed view on the brain’s decision making machinery.
This project is a collaboration among leading researchers at Columbia University (New York, USA), Northwell-Hofstra School of Medicine (New York, USA), Trinity College Dublin (Dublin, Republic of Ireland), University College Dublin (Dublin, Republic of Ireland), and Ulster University (Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland).
This timely and exciting project is available in the Computer Science Research Institute and is tenable in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Magee Campus. The successful PhD candidate will benefit from the expertise of Ulster’s Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Machine Learning, and Computational Biology communities, and will interact closely with international experimental collaborators. The student will gain valuable skills and knowledge in computational and mathematical modelling, biological signal processing, machine learning, high-performance computing, mathematics/statistics, and brain sciences.
With research funding from the First/Chair Supervisor, the student will also receive additional financial support e.g. for additional specialized training, attending research meetings and conferences, and computational resources.
Relevant references:
(i) O'Connell RG, Shadlen MN, Wong-Lin K, Kelly SP. Bridging Neural and Computational Viewpoints on Perceptual Decision-Making. Trends Neurosci. 2018;41(11):838‐852. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2018.06.005
(ii) Atiya NAA, Rañó I, Prasad G, Wong-Lin K. A neural circuit model of decision uncertainty and change-of-mind. Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):2287. doi:10.1038/s41467-019-10316-8
(iii) O'Connell RG, Dockree PM, Kelly SP. A supramodal accumulation-to-bound signal that determines perceptual decisions in humans. Nat Neurosci. 2012;15(12):1729‐1735. doi:10.1038/nn.3248
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.
We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
This project is funded by:
Department for the Economy (DFE)
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £ 15,285 per annum for three years. EU applicants will only be eligible for the fee’s component of the studentship (no maintenance award is provided). For Non-EU nationals the candidate must be "settled" in the UK. This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
Submission deadline
Monday 8 March 2021
12:00AM
Interview Date
25 March 2021
Preferred student start date
1 August 2021
Telephone
Contact by phone
Email
Contact by email