A standard model of contrast detection: psychophysical probes and an international testbed

About the Project

Details of the Project

A primary goal in understanding human vision has been to characterise the details of the initial stage of spatial filtering of the retinal image and to understand the processes of feature integration and segmentation across the image. By learning about the very limits of vision (e.g. the lowest contrast that an image or its part can be just about seen) we learn about the fundamental constraints and strategies of the human signal detection system. Following this approach, I developed the noisy energy model of contrast detection (e.g. Meese & Summers, 2012), including a thorough characterisation of contrast sensitivity across the retinae (Baldwin et al, 2012). Analytic stimuli (e.g. Meese, 2010) were used to test and develop the model, addressing several gnarly issues in the field including internal noise, the level of intrinsic uncertainty, and the forms of contrast transduction and signal integration.

The main project aim is to extend the model to test it against the modelfest data set (from the NASA website). The new version will extend the model to 2D by including multiple spatial filters and investigate how filter outputs should be combined. A critical factor to the development will be determining the boundary conditions for signal integration, to be tested with appropriate experimentation. A secondary aim is to run previously successful models of the ModelFest results on several of my own challenging (and published) data sets. A third aim is to develop new stimuli that will allow further tests and comparisons between the competing models. A final aim is to test the fully specified 2D model on external noise stimuli for which there is strong theoretical motivation.

The project involves computational modelling and psychophyical experimentation. Candidates will need strong programing and quantitative skills and a basic background in visual perception and/or experimental psychology.

Overseas Applicants

Overseas applicants may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7. As part of the application, you will be required to confirm that you will provide this additional funding. Please indicate this on the application form in the funding section.

Location

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly.

Person Specification

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

a] a First or Upper Second Class award in their Undergraduate Degree (Bachelors or UG Masters) from a UK institution, in a subject judged by Aston to be relevant to the proposed research.

OR

b] a Merit (or above)* in a Postgraduate Masters degree in a relevant subject AND an Undergraduate Degree (Bachelors or UG Masters), both from UK institutions.

*where appropriate

Qualifications from overseas institutions will be also considered but performance must be equivalent to that described above, and the University reserves the right to ascertain this equivalence according to its own criteria.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Prof Tim Meese at t.s.meese@aston.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected.Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic refereeswho can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.

Apply for this position here

Please select “ Research - Health Sciences” from the application form options.

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This project covers the Home tuition fees. Candidates who do not have Home status will be responsible for the difference in tuition fees. Currently the difference between ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees is £17,712 for 2026/7.