Fwd: PhD position at Durham University: “Cortical Mapping of Language Functions"

Susanne The Department of Psychology, Durham University and the South Tees NHS Trust invite application for a PhD studentship on “Cortical Mapping of Language Functions”. Research will be conducted within the Durham University Neuroimaging Centre (DUNIC) using the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility, which is shared between the University and South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, and is situated at the James Cook University Hospital (JCUH) in Middlesbrough. The PhD will be supervised by Prof. Phil Kane (South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust) and Dr. Susanne Weis and Dr. Markus Hausmann (Department of Psychology, Durham University). Excellent candidates with a Master’s degree and background in neuroimaging are invited to apply for a 3-year PhD project. In this project, a reliable method of cortical mapping of cognitive functions within single subjects will be developed both for clinical uses and for research purposes. One important application will comprise pre-surgical mapping of language functions in tumour patients presenting with disturbances of speech. Another aspect of the project relates to cortical plasticity after tumour surgery where ideally predictive measures of clinical outcome will be developed. While focussing on speech and language functions, the principles of cortical mapping will in the course of the project also be applied to other cognitive functions. This exciting PhD projects combines methodological development in functional brain imaging with basic research questions as well as clinical applications. Applicants must have a master degree (or equivalent) in psychology, cognitive sciences, neuroscience, or a related field. Proficiency in oral and written English is necessary. A solid methods background (statistics / SPSS) as well as prior experience with fMRI are highly desirable. Programming skills in Matlab, as well as in Presentation, E-prime or similar software packages are a plus. The studentship will pay fees and a £12,600 p.a. stipend. The post starts on Tuesday, 1 October 2013. The deadline for applications is on Wednesday, 10 July 2013. Informal inquiries can be addressed to Dr. Susanne Weis (susanne.weis(a)durham.ac.uk <mailto:susanne.weis@durham.ac.uk>) or Dr. Markus Hausmann (markus.hausmann(a)durham.ac.uk <mailto:markus.hausmann@durham.ac.uk>). Applications including a CV including list of publications, a statement of research interests, and the names and full contact details of two referees should be sent to: susanne.weis(a)durham.ac.uk <mailto:susanne.weis@durham.ac.uk> __________________________________ Dr. Susanne Weis Senior Lecturer Department of Psychology Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LE United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 191 3343238 <tel:%2B44%C2%A0%280%29%C2%A0191%C2%A03343238> Fax: +44 (0) 191 3343241 <tel:%2B44%C2%A0%280%29%C2%A0191%C2%A03343241> email: susanne.weis(a)durham.ac.uk <mailto:susanne.weis@durham.ac.uk> __________________________________