PhD Studentship - Dissecting the Neural Code for Skilled Action Planning and Coordination

University of Birmingham - School of Psychology

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD position within the Skilled Action and Memory Lab at the Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH) and the School of Psychology, supervised by Associate Professors Dr. Katja Kornysheva (School of Psychology), and Dr. Jian Liu (Computer Science). This post is funded by the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham and linked to research undertaken on the UKRI Future Leader Fellowship grant: “Dissecting the Neural Code for Skilled Action Planning and Coordination.” (PI: Kornysheva).

This PhD project investigates the neural basis of movement planning in naturalistic settings to develop innovative, non-invasive neurotechnology. You will focus on the neural signatures of movement preparation and develop non-invasive BCI interventions that interface causally with brain activity prior to movement execution. Working within the world-class facilities and environment of the Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH), you will integrate EEG, EMG and kinematics, with wider access to MEG/OPM-MEG, fMRI and brain stimulation. As part of a high-level multidisciplinary team and network including the University of Birmingham, EPFL, and the University of Oxford, your work will directly influence the future of non-invasive BCI-driven neurorehabilitation and motor recovery.

Research skill training opportunities will be offered by the School of Psychology (www.birmingham.ac.uk/about/college-of-life-and-environmental-sciences/school-of-psychology), Birmingham Environment for Academic Research (BEAR; www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/arc/bear), as well as the University Doctoral School (www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/doctoral-school).

The project is fully funded for 3.5 years (full-time equivalent), providing a tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and a full tuition fee waiver at the Home rate. International applicants must demonstrate they have secured or are applying for a scholarship to cover the difference between Home and Overseas fees.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Academic Excellence: A minimum upper second-class honours degree (2:1) BSc in Neuroscience, Psychology, Computer Science, (Electrical) Engineering, Robotics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Quantitative Skills: Proficiency in programming (Python or MATLAB) for data acquisition and signal processing.
• Neuroimaging Experience: Proven experience with MEG/EEG/EMG data collection and analysis.
• Autonomy: Ability to act on one’s own initiative and solve technical problems independently.
• Residency: Eligibility for UK Home Student status. Applications from international students are only considered if accompanied by a confirmed scholarship covering the difference between Home and Overseas tuition fees.

Desirable Criteria:

• A MSc degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Computer Science, (Electrical) Engineering, Robotics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Peer-reviewed publications in a relevant research area
• Experience with real-time data processing and BCI pipelines
• Familiarity with non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., tTIS)
• Experience with neurorehabilitation technologies

How to Apply

1. Access the Portal: Apply via the PhD Psychology program page (www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/subjects/psychology-courses/psychology-phd)
2. Project Details: Clearly state the project title: “Dissecting the Neural Code for Skilled Action Planning and Coordination” and list Dr. Katja Kornysheva as the primary supervisor.
3. Funding Section: Select 'University of Birmingham Scholarship' and enter "College of LES – UKRI FLF (Kornysheva)".
4. Required Materials:
   • Academic CV.
   • Cover Letter (max. 2 pages, 11-point Arial, 2.54 cm margins) outlining your motivation and fit.
   • Transcripts and contact details for two academic referees.

Selection and Interview Process

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a formal interview (via Zoom/Teams or in-person) conducted by the supervisory team.

Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback at the pre-interview stage.