How does the brain organize sounds into auditory scenes?

How does the brain organize sounds into auditory scenes?

Applications are invited for a fully funded full-time PhD studentship at the UCL Ear Institute, based in the laboratory of Prof. Jennifer Bizley.


Background: Real-world listening involves making sense of the numerous competing sound sources that exist around us. The challenge faced by the brain is to reconstruct these sources from the composite waveform that arrives at the ear; a process known as auditory scene analysis. While functional imaging studies in humans highlight a network of brain regions that support auditory scene analysis, little is known about the cellular and circuit based mechanisms that operate within these brain networks. In this project we combine behavioural paradigms with high-channel count electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic manipulation to elucidate how auditory cortex, frontal cortex and hippocampus enable scene analysis during active listening.



Key requirements: The successful PhD candidate will be involved in planning/programming experiments, collecting and analysing data, and reporting the results for publication and writing a thesis. Candidates must have a first or upper-second class UK Bachelor’s degree or a Master degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering or a closely related field, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institution. Non-UK students will be expected to hold an equivalent qualification and demonstrate mastery of the English language at ’Standard’ level (as described by the UCL Graduate English Language Requirements)


To apply: Please send a covering letter (detailing why you would like to apply, motivation, interest and suitability for the PhD research programme) and CV to Jennifer Bizley [Email Address Removed] to whom informal inquiries should also be directed. The position is open until filled, but the deadline for the initial assessment of candidates will is Friday 8th February, with interviews taking place in late February.



Funding Notes

Funding for this three year studentship comes from an ERC Consolidator Award to Prof. Bizley. The student will receive a tax-free stipend of £25,000 per year, from which they will pay their tuition fees (£5210 for home/EU students in 2019/20).