📝 Summary: The Jozwik Lab at the University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Visual Cognitive Computational Neuroscience under the supervision of Dr. Kamila Maria Jozwik. The project, funded by the Royal Society, focuses on modelling behaviourally relevant visual and semantic dimensions in the human brain using computational neuroscience, neuroimaging, and AI approaches. The position will commence in October 2026.
Fully Funded PhD in Visual Cognitive Computational Neuroscience – University of Cambridge (Home Fees Only)
🎓 Designation
PhD Researcher (Home Fees Status Only – Fully Funded, 4 Years)
🔬 Research Area
- Visual Cognitive Computational Neuroscience
- Visuo-Semantic Cognition
- Cognitive Neuroscience & Brain Imaging (fMRI, M/EEG)
- Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence (NeuroAI)
- Deep Learning & Large Language Models
- Cross-species Neural Comparisons
- VR/AR & Mobile EEG Applications
- Neurotechnology & Mental Health Applications
📍 Location
Jozwik Lab, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
🎯 Eligibility / Qualification
Essential Requirements:
- Extensive programming experience in Python or Matlab (coursework alone is not sufficient)
- Strong data analysis skills
- Substantial research experience (e.g., Research MPhil/Master’s or Research Assistant role)
- Experience in behavioural and neuroimaging data design/collection/analysis (fMRI, M/EEG)
- Background in machine learning and AI
- Collaborative mindset and strong scientific curiosity
Desirable:
- Experience in computational modelling
- Publications in journals/conferences
- Experience with neuromodulation or electrophysiology
⚠️ PhD Fees Status: Home fees only (as per University of Cambridge criteria)
🧠 Job Description
The selected PhD candidate will work on one or more of the following Royal Society-funded research aims:
1️⃣ Characterising behaviourally relevant visual and semantic dimensions using large-scale brain imaging datasets and computational modelling.
2️⃣ Modelling perception of animacy during real-world interactions using behavioural data, fMRI, and MEG.
3️⃣ Investigating how immersive environments (VR/AR, mobile EEG) influence brain representations.
The research involves:
- Designing and running neuroimaging experiments
- Analysing human and macaque neural data
- Developing biologically inspired deep learning and AI models
- Cross-species comparative analysis
- Contributing to open and rigorous science
PhD students may also supervise MPhil students in Cognitive Neuroscience or NeuroAI programs.
🌍 Research Environment
The Jozwik Lab is based at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit with access to:
- On-site 3T fMRI scanner
- 7T fMRI (nearby facility)
- MEG scanner
- EEG systems
- Focused Ultrasound & Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
- Dedicated computational and methodological support
The lab collaborates with international research ecosystems including:
- MIT Quest for Intelligence
- Advanced Research and Invention Agency
The lab values diversity, open science, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
📩 How to Apply
Step 1: Contact Supervisor (Mandatory Before Applying)
Email Dr. Kamila Maria Jozwik at:
📧 jozwik.kamila@gmail.com
📧 kj287@cam.ac.uk
Include in your initial email:
- Updated CV
- Details of programming & computational modelling experience
- Neuroimaging & behavioural research experience
- Publication list (journals, conferences, preprints, thesis)
📌 Ask 2–3 referees (preferably research collaborators) to email reference letters directly to Dr. Jozwik.
Step 2: Official Application Portal
Apply through the University of Cambridge postgraduate portal:
🔗 https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvbspdbsc
📅 Last Date to Apply
🗓 13th March 2026
🚀 Start Date
October 2026
If you’re passionate about combining cognitive neuroscience, AI, and computational modelling to understand how the brain represents the visual world, this is an exceptional opportunity at one of the world’s leading research institutions.
