PhD Studentship: Cognitive Computational Neuroscience: Multimodal Models of Material Perception

Are you passionate about cognitive computational neuroscience and eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in perception? We invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship supported by the Leverhulme Trust and supervised by Dr Fraser Smith, Dr Stephanie Rossit (UEA) and Professor Tim Kietzmann (University Osnabruck, Germany). The project will determine the neural and computational mechanisms underlying material perception: our ability to determine how materials will feel to touch, just from seeing them. Understanding this process has practical consequences for improving tactile sensing, robotics and prosthetic devices in the real-world.

This PhD project offers the opportunity to work on pioneering research that combines state of the art computational modelling (deep neural networks) and neuroimaging techniques. You will conduct both neuroimaging and neural network modelling studies to determine whether and how combining information across multiple sensory modalities (vision and touch) may result in more effective perception. You will develop a new multimodal stimulus set that is tuned to participants’ real world tactile experience.

We seek highly motivated candidates with a strong academic background in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, or a related discipline, and a keen interest in cognitive computational neuroscience. You will join a vibrant and supportive research team with access to excellent facilities and opportunities for professional development.

Key Features of the Project:

• Opportunity to tackle an important question in the cognitive computational neuroscience of perception
• Work with world-leading researchers in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment
• Comprehensive training and support throughout your PhD

If you’re ready to take on a challenging and rewarding project that will advance our understanding of human perception, we would be very pleased to hear from you. 

Entry requirements

2:1 in a Bachelor’s degree (psychology, neuroscience, cognitive Science) and Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience, computational neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, machine learning/data science/AI).

Start date: 1 October 2025 

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This 3-year PhD studentship is funded by The Leverhulme Trust. The studentship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend starting at £20,006.

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