Using Brain Computer Interfaces to understand distractions during Virtual Reality Tasks

University of Lincoln is looking for excellent candidates for a PhD position in Using Brain Computer Interfaces to understand distractions during Virtual Reality Tasks.

Academic Contact: Dr Horia Alexandru Maior ([Email Address Removed]), Lecturer, School of Computer Science, University of Lincoln, UK.

Background
Attentional control is essential in order to focus on relevant information and fade out distracting events. The consequences range from reducing the enjoyment and quality of life to affecting the ability to concentrate at work or even causing accidents (e.g., while driving).

This ground-breaking project will use non-invasive and portable Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) (including functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy) and Applied Data Science to detect, learn more, and understand distractions during high and low perceptual load Virtual Reality tasks.

This exciting opportunity includes:
• designing and conducting laboratory experiments which will include the use of BCIs;
• building and preparing study tasks (using Virtual Reality technologies);
• processing and analysing data;
• writing scientific papers, posters, and presenting results.

By joining the Doctoral Training Partnership programme at the University of Lincoln, you will be working in a collaborative and stimulating environment, strengthened by cohort-driven activities, where knowledge-sharing and joint problem solving are the norm.

The multidisciplinary nature of the programme will make you think about problems from a whole new perspective and explore really innovative ideas. You will be part of a cross-discipline collaboration between Computer Science and Psychology, and join the Interactive Technologies Lab.

Skills and experience gained will include:
• opportunities to develop expertise in the use of brain and physiological data for research,
• quantitative research skills and applied statistics,
• develop critical thinking and problem solving,
• applied data science,
• develop strong verbal and written communication skills,
• opportunities to work alongside our partner Artinis (https://www.artinis.com/),
• opportunities to present research outputs at national and international venues.
Specific requirements for candidates
Interested applicants should carry, at a minimum, a 2.1 degree in a relevant or related discipline and are encouraged to demonstrate any skills and/or experience relevant to the project subject area(s) of interest. You must evidence an ability to engage in scientific research and to work collaboratively as part of a team. Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English are also required.
As this is a highly multi-disciplinary PhD opportunity, applicants from a wide range of backgrounds will be considered. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [Email Address Removed]

This opportunity covers 3 and half years of tuition fees at UK/EU student rates, a tax-free stipend at EPSRC rates, and a generous research training support grant enabling international travel and participation in the leading conferences and symposia.
How to apply
For the full application, please apply on the Lincoln website here: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/engineering/dtpstudentships/
Eligibility
To be eligible for a full award a student must have no restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship (with some further constraint regarding residence for education. For a fees only award, a Student must be ordinarily resident in a member state of the EU, in the same way as UK Students must be ordinarily resident in the UK. For further information regarding residence requirements, please see the regulations: https://www.ukri.org/files/funding/ukri-training-grant-terms-and-conditions-pdf/