PhD Studentship: Echoes of perception: Mapping sensory cortex with fMRI-guided ultrasound stimulation

DoS: Julien Besle (julien.besle@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44 (0) 1752 584 804)

2^nd Supervisor: Elsa Fouragnan (elsa.fouragnan@plymouth.ac.uk)

3^rd Supervisor: Giorgio Ganis (giorgio.ganis@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship at the School of Psychology of the University of Plymouth. The studentship will start on 1^st October 2025.

Project Description

This project will evaluate the effect of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) of primary sensory cortex (visual and auditory) on perception. Combining structural and functional MRI, neuro-navigated TUS, psychophysical measurements and state-of the art analysis techniques, we will systematically characterize the behavioural consequences of TUS stimulation of restricted parts of retinotopically/tonotopically-mapped visual and auditory cortical areas, providing a phenomenological test of the spatial accuracy of TUS stimulation.

The successful applicant will be part of a large, vibrant, highly collaborative community of PhD students and academic staff in the School of Psychology. They will have access to well-equipped laboratory facilities supported by a dedicated team of technical staff and a state-of-the-art neuroimaging facility at the Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC), equipped with a 3T MRI scanner, multiple TUS transducers, TMS, EEG and more.

Plymouth is a vibrant coastal city in southwest England, renowned for its stunning waterfront, rich maritime history, and dynamic research community. Nestled between the scenic Devon and Cornwall countryside, and the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park, Plymouth offers an excellent quality of life, with opportunities for outdoor activities and a welcoming community.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree or a relevant Masters qualification in an appropriate subject (e.g. Psychology, Neuroscience, Neuro-engineering, or related fields). Experience with (or a strong interest to learn) computer programming is highly desirable. If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship supports the first 3 years of the 4-year registration period and includes Home full tuition fees plus a stipend of £18,655 per annum 2024/25 rate (2025/26 rates TBC). The studentship will fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have the option to apply for an overseas tuition fee waiver.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

NB: The studentship is supported for three years of the four-year registration period.

The fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact:

julien.besle@plymouth.ac.uk.

The application material should include

(1) a maximum 3-page CV

(2) a maximum 3-page personal statement summarising

1. why the candidate wishes to undertake a PhD,
2. why they are interested in this PhD position, how their previous experience or skills align with undertaking a PhD in human neuroscience,
3. their plans for the future and
4. the description of a research project they have conducted,

(3) contact details of two referees.

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.

The closing date for applications is 20^th April 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the deadline.

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