"6 fully funded Ph.D. positions in “Mind, Brain, and Human Thought (MBHT)” at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca"

The IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca is now recruiting 6 talented doctoral candidates in its Mind, Brain, and Human Thought (MBHT) Ph.D. Program.

The PhD Program in Mind, Brain and Human Thought (MBHT) offers interdisciplinary training on human mind and behaviour, integrating neuroscience, psychology, philosophy of science and history of philosophy. It presents two curricula: Human Thought: Philosophy, History and Science, which studies the neurological and psychological mechanisms of behavior, and Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology and Psychophysiology, which explores the philosophical and epistemological bases of knowledge. Students will be prepared to face complex scientific and social challenges, contributing to fields such as mental health and technological ethics.

CCSN framework

• Contract Type: 36-month scholarship
• Commitment: Full time
• Location: Lucca (Tuscany, Italy)
• Ph.D. Program start date: November 1, 2026
• Official language: English
• Benefits: free room and board (on campus), free access to campus facilities, additional research and international mobility funds, insurance coverages, social security coverage, no tuition fees

Your Role

• First year: Attend and pass post-graduate courses
• Second and third year: Engage in your own research project (also abroad) under the guidance of the faculty members from one of the research groups
• Participate in the daily academic and campus life, including seminars, conferences, workshops, public outreach activities, etc.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Philosophy, Medicine, Bioengineering, Computer Sciences, Linguistics and Humanities, Biology, Economy or in related fields (to be obtained by October 31st, 2026)
• High level of proficiency in English
• Enthusiasm for research, motivation, self-confidence, critical thinking

What We Offer

• An exciting multidisciplinary and international research environment with wide opportunities to interact with scholars from related disciplines in several other international Universities, as well as with cultural heritage Institutions and leaders
• Work under the supervision of at least one Advisor from the Faculty
• Interactions with several other doctoral candidates, postdoc researchers, and Faculty members;
• A tailor-made scientific training program composed from a wide range of courses and seminars by leading researchers
• Mentoring, training, and career development support
• A highly competitive full-time PhD Position with
  • a scholarship for a maximum period of 3 consecutive years
  • social security coverage
  • free accommodation on campus (all year round)
  • free meals on campus (lunch and dinner, all year round)
  • additional research funds
  • additional international mobility funds
  • insurance coverages (liability, accident)
  • no tuition fees

EFC Project
Scuola IMT Alti Studi Lucca is a member of the EFC - Educating Future Citizens network, which includes eight Scuole Universitarie Superiori in Italy. IMT PhD students have the opportunity to participate in joint activities and are encouraged to engage with partner institutions to foster academic and research collaborations.‍

How to Apply

You are welcome to submit your application through the online application system at the following link (registration required): https://imtlucca.esse3.cineca.it/AddressBook/ABStartProcessoRegAction.do

Students graduating by 31st October 2026 are also welcome to apply.

Deadline for applications: June 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm (CEST time)

Selection process: Shortlist by titles and interview

Application Schedule

• Publication of short-listed candidates: July 27, 2026
• Interview of short-listed candidates: September 3-4, 2026
• Notification of admission: end of September 2026

More information

For more information, please see https://mbht.imtlucca.it/ and contact phdapplications@imtlucca.it