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  Neurocognitive mechanisms of numerical knowledge acquisition in toddlerhood (Ref FHMS - FF - 16 PSY)


   Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences

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  Dr Mojtaba Soltanlou  No more applications being accepted  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

The School of Psychology invites an enthusiastic applicant for a fully funded PhD studentship in Psychology sponsored by the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey. This exciting 3.5 years programme aims to longitudinally examine the neurocognitive mechanisms of numerical knowledge acquisition in early development.

This longitudinal neuroimaging study will use functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the functional organization of particular brain regions such as intraparietal sulci and functional connectivity between these regions over the course of two years from 1 to 3 years old in typically developing children. It aims to provide insights into the neurocognitive mechanisms of developing symbolic numerical knowledge based on inherited non-symbolic numerical knowledge in early development. 

This studentship will allow an opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team that includes developmental psychologists and cognitive neuroscientists in a supportive environment. We are looking for a candidate with a background in psychology, cognitive neuroscience or relevant areas, preferably with experience in using fNIRS or other imaging methods in children. Previous experience in connectivity analysis, multivariate pattern analysis, research in early development, and statistical training will be advantageous. Additionally desirable are effective written and oral communication skills, initiative, and good interpersonal skills, together with a passion to learn and impact society. For any enquiries, please contact Dr Mojtaba Soltanlou ([Email Address Removed]).

Relevant references:

Barreto, C., & Soltanlou, M. (2022). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy as a tool to assess brain activity in educational settings: An introduction for educational researchers. South African Journal of Childhood Education, 12(1), 1-10.

Emerson, R. W., & Cantlon, J. F. (2015). Continuity and change in children's longitudinal neural responses to numbers. Developmental science, 18(2), 314-326.

Feigenson, L., Dehaene, S., & Spelke, E. (2004). Core systems of number. Trends in cognitive sciences, 8(7), 307-314.

Hyde, D. C. (2021). The emergence of a brain network for numerical thinking. Child Development Perspectives, 15(3), 168-175.

Hyde, D. C., Boas, D. A., Blair, C., & Carey, S. (2010). Near-infrared spectroscopy shows right parietal specialization for number in pre-verbal infants. Neuroimage, 53(2), 647-652.

Principle Supervisor - Dr Mojtaba Soltanlou 

Mojtaba Soltanlou is a Lecturer and developmental cognitive neuroscientist with several years of experience in studying numerical and mathematical learning and development in typically and atypically developing children (e.g., Soltanlou et al. 2018, 2022). He is the PI of the Learning Brain Lab, a collaborative, communicative, and supportive lab that currently investigates neurocognitive mechanisms of numerical and mathematical skills in preschoolers and also school children with and without learning difficulties such as dyscalculia and dyslexia. He has rich experience in supervising students in the last 10 years. 

Entry requirements

Open to UK and international students with the project starting in October 2023. Note that a maximum of 30% of the studentships will be offered to international students.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/psychology-phd#entry.

How to apply

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant principal supervisor(s) to discuss the project(s) before submitting their application.

Applications should be submitted via the https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/psychology-phd#apply programme page (N.B. Please select the October 2023 start date when applying).

You may opt to apply for a single project or for 2 of these Faculty-funded studentship projects

When completing your application, in place of a research proposal, please provide a brief motivational document (1 page maximum) which specifies:

  • the reference numbers(s) for the project or two projects you are applying for 
  • the project title(s) and principal supervisor name(s) 
  • if applying for two projects, please also indicate your order of preference for the projects
  • an explanation of your motivations for wanting to study for a PhD 
  • an explanation of your reasons for selecting the project(s) you have chosen

Additionally, to complete a full application, you MUST also email a copy of your CV and 1-page motivational document directly to the relevant project principal supervisor of each project you apply for. Due to short turnaround times for applicant shortlisting, failure to do this may mean that your application is not considered.

Please note that online interviews for shortlisted applicants are expected to take place during the week commencing 30th January.


Biological Sciences (4) Engineering (12) Medicine (26)

Funding Notes

Funding is for 3.5 years and includes UKRI-aligned stipend (£17,668 pa for 2022-23), approved University of Surrey fees and a research budget. This studentship is funded by Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey.