Echoes of perception: Mapping sensory cortex with fMRI-guided ultrasound stimulation

This project will evaluate the effect of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) of primary sensory cortex (visual and auditory) on perception. Combining structural and functional MRI, neuro-navigated TUS, psychophysical measurements and state-of the art analysis techniques, we will systematically characterize the behavioural consequences of TUS stimulation of restricted parts of retinotopically/tonotopically-mapped visual and auditory cortical areas, providing a phenomenological test of the spatial accuracy of TUS stimulation.

The successful applicant will be part of a large, vibrant, highly collaborative community of PhD students and academic staff in the School of Psychology . They will have access to well-equipped laboratory facilities supported by a dedicated team of technical staff and a state-of-the-art neuroimaging facility at the Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC) , equipped with a 3T MRI scanner, multiple TUS transducers, TMS, EEG and more.

Plymouth is a vibrant coastal city in southwest England, renowned for its stunning waterfront, rich maritime history, and dynamic research community. Nestled between the scenic Devon and Cornwall countryside, and the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park, Plymouth offers an excellent quality of life, with opportunities for outdoor activities and a welcoming community.

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree or a relevant Masters qualification in an appropriate subject (e.g. Psychology, Neuroscience, Neuro-engineering, or related fields). Experience with (or a strong interest to learn) computer programming is highly desirable. If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship supports the first 3 years of the 4-year registration period and includes full tuition fees plus a stipend of £18,655 per annum 2024/25 rate (2025/26 rates TBC). The studentship will fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have the option to apply for an overseas tuition fee waiver.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

NB: The studentship is supported for three years of the four-year registration period. The fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please email julien.besle@plymouth.ac.uk.

Please see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application. No research proposal is necessary for this post. For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College . Applications will not be considered if information is missing.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.