Psychology PhD studentship

Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship - How affective and embodied processes shape our conscious and unconscious experience of reality? A PhD at the Reality Bending Lab (2024)

What you get

• A stipend for 3 years to cover living costs. The amount is tied to the UKRI studentship rates; for 2023/24 it is £18,622 per year.
• UK or International fees are covered for 3 years.
• Research/training costs of £750 per year are also covered for 3 years, and enhanced costs are provided for some neuroscience projects.
• School-funded Postgraduate Researchers have the opportunity to take up Doctoral Tutoring during your PhD with a range of modules to choose from. This work is paid at Grade 6 which is currently £17.38 per hour, and covers contact time, preparation and marking.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

The Reality Bending Lab researches reality perception, fake news, illusions, fiction, deception, altered states of consciousness, self-control and more, by recording signals from the body (ECG, EDA…) and the brain (EEG). We analyse data using advanced computational modelling (Bayesian stats, chaos theory, mixed models…), and we also develop open-source tools and software to improve neuropsychological science. 

Examples of research questions that will be pursued in this PhD include: 

• How do we know what is real? And what does it change? Can fiction help us regulate one’s emotions?  
• How is our experience of reality shaped (consciously and unconsciously) by bodily signals and emotions? What’s the role of interoception in cognition and consciousness? 

More examples of research projects at: https://realitybending.github.io/jobs/projects 

Technical skills that you will master during the PhD typically include: 

1. Neuroimaging and Physiology: EEG and bodily signals recording and analysis (EDA, ECG, …) 
2. Advanced statistics and data science (mixed models, Bayesian stats, …) 
3. Programming (Python, R, Julia) 
4. Scientific communication and popularization 

This scholarship is supervised by Dr Dominique Makowski who you should approach for an informal discussion prior to submitting an application. 

Doctoral Tutor role: 

If you choose to undertake a  Doctoral Tutor role you will receive training and begin teaching in the first term of your studies. You will be encouraged to study for a formal teaching accreditation (Associate of the Higher Education Academy), enrolling on a ‘Starting to Teach’ module in the first term.  

Eligibility

• Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a First or a high Upper Second Class Honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, and/or a Master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience or a related discipline.
• The University of Sussex believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking, pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and the interdisciplinary approach to research and learning. We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background.
• This award will pay fees at the Home or International rate. International students must move to Sussex for the duration of the PhD and will not be permitted to register as Distance Learners. The studentship does not include additional funding towards the costs of visas or travel to the UK for International students.

Number of scholarships available

One scholarship

Deadline

How to apply

• Please read Some questions we are often asked before you start your application.
• Please submit your application online for 'PhD in Psychology' for entry in September 2024.

• In the Supervisor suggested by applicant section of your application, put Dominique Makowski
  
• In the Proposed source of funding section of your application, please put Psychology Doctoral Research Studentship – Dominique Makowski - ringfenced

Candidates should provide: 

• A research proposal that outlines your knowledge of the research area, hypotheses that could be addressed in your PhD, and an outline of potential methods. The scope of the proposed work should be appropriate for a 3-year PhD research programme. The research proposal should be approximately 1,000 to 1,500 words in length and not exceed 3 pages, including references. It should be set at a minimum of 10 font type with margins a minimum of 1cm.
• Current degree transcript(s) with full details of performance on all completed courses. 
• Two academic references.
• An up-to-date CV.
• A document summarising any teaching experience you have and illustrating your suitability for a Doctoral Tutor role. 

Overseas applicants please read our International Requirements to assist with preparing your application.

Contact us

For queries with respect to the application process please contact:  psychologyphd-enquiries@sussex.ac.uk 

To discuss the details of this project further please contact:  Dr Dominique Makowski 

Timetable

Deadline for applications:  24 January 2024 23:59.
Interviews likely to take place mid to late February with with notifications expected early March.