PhD Studentship: A new approach to minimum colour vision requirements and optimum use of colour signals within Network Rail

City St George’s, University of London – School of Health & Medical Sciences

Supervisors:

Dr Marisa Rodríguez-Carmona (City St George’s, University of London)
Professor John Barbur (City St George’s, University of London)

Collaborators:

Professor Anya Hurlbert (Newcastle University)

This PhD project aims to define evidence-based, task-specific colour vision requirements for mainline train drivers and other safety-critical rail staff. The research will focus on colour-dependent visual tasks involve the detection, discrimination, and interpretation of coloured signal lights and information presented on modern digital cab displays.

The project will combine visual task analysis, spectral and photometric characterisation of real-world stimuli, and laboratory-based psychophysical investigations involving participants with normal colour vision and many subjects with varied severities of colour vision loss. The experimental findings will be used to establish informed criteria for a new protocol for colour vision in Network Rail.

The work is embedded within an established programme of research in occupational vision standards at City St George’s, University of London and involves collaboration with the Centre for Transformative Neuroscience, Newcastle University.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours BSc or Masters degree in optometry, vision science, psychology, neuroscience, physics, engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Experience with experimental research, data analysis, or programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python, or similar) is desirable but not essential. An essential requirement is enthusiasm to study the processes involved in human colour vision and how these are affected in congenital and acquired colour deficiencies.

Funding

This 3-year PhD is fully funded for eligible UK home students (or EU students with settled status). The studentship includes:

• A tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£22,780 for 2025/26, expected to increase annually)
• Full tuition fees are covered
• Access to specialist research facilities and training

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the City St George’s postgraduate research application system PhD/MPhil Applied Vision • City St George's, University of London. When applying, please include:

• The latest CV
• A brief statement of interest to include relevant background information and to explain why you are interested in this project
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details for two academic referees

Please specify the project title “A new approach to minimum colour vision requirements and optimum use of colour signals within Network Rail” to be forwarded to Dr Marisa Rodríguez-Carmona.

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be directed to:

Dr Marisa Rodríguez-Carmona

Email: Marisa.Rodriguez-Carmona.1@citystgeorges.ac.uk

Deadline for applications: 30 April 2026

PhD start date: 1 October 2026