DPhil Studentship: How Brain Network Dynamics Shape Human Cognition
Overview
The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford offers a fully funded DPhil studentship titled How Brain Network Dynamics Shape Human Cognition, starting in October 2027. Selected candidates join Dr Mats van Es' research group at the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, operating within the Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging. The research combines magnetoencephalography, computational modelling, and cognitive experiments to explore how brain network activity timing and coordination influence human cognition and flexible behaviour.
Who can apply
Applicants need to hold at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent, or a relevant Master's degree in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, neuroscience, physics, engineering, computer science, or related fields. Candidates should possess a strong interest in human cognition, robust quantitative and computational abilities, preferably in Python, and background experience in electrophysiology such as MEG or EEG. Additional advantageous qualities include prior experience in experimental design, cognitive modelling, or machine learning, alongside independent research experience and solid communication skills.
What you get
The scholarship provides coverage for course fees up to the value of home fees, along with a tax-free stipend matching the UKRI standard rate of no less than £22,460 per annum. Additional financial support is included for research expenses and conference attendance. Students receive supervision, access to advanced facilities including MEG, MRI, neuromodulation, and high-performance computing, and training in advanced MEG analysis, computational modelling, experimental design, and statistical inference.
Requirements
Applicants with overseas fee status must cover the fee difference using alternative funding sources. Submissions require the University of Oxford online graduate application form, all supporting materials including references, and a £20 application fee.
Key dates
The application submission deadline is 12:00 noon UK time on Friday 27th November 2026. Interviews will take place during the week commencing 14th December 2026. The program commences in October 2027.
About University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. Teaching there is documented from the late eleventh century, which makes it one of the oldest universities in the world, although its exact founding date is unknown. It has no single central campus, and its buildings are spread throughout the city. Every student belongs to a college, and the colleges operate alongside the university's academic departments, which are grouped into divisions.
Source: Wikipedia
Links in this posting
- Applications must be submitted via the University’s online graduate application form. To access the application form and guidance please visit our website at www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/apply. The application form, all supporting materials (including references), and £20 application fee must be received by the submission deadline.
- For informal enquiries please contact: mats.vanes@psych.ox.ac.uk
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