Neurocognitive processes underpinning different aspects of Mental Resilience

Applications are invited for a 4 year PhD studentship fully funded by the Ministry of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), supervised by Prof Paul Downing (School of Psychology), Prof Lew Hardy, and Dr. Ross Roberts (School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences).

The studentship includes payment of UK / EU level tuition fees and a maintenance allowance of £13,726. All PhDs funded by DSTL are subject to MODREC approval.

Project Description This studentship is to support an interdisciplinary project that will focus on expanding current conceptualisations of Mental Resilience to include both decision making under pressure and emotional responses to traumatic situations. The project will use functional MRI to examine the neurocognitive processes underlying these different forms of mental resilience, and will also examine how the capacity to utilise these processes predicts performance and mental well-being in military environments. The project represents a collaboration between world-leading researchers in elite human performance and in cognitive neuroscience, from two Schools at Bangor University.

To find more information about the supervisory team, please see http://pages.bangor.ac.uk/~pss811/, http://www.bangor.ac.uk/sport/staff-lh.php, and http://www.bangor.ac.uk/sport/staff-rr.php.

Candidate Requirements The successful candidate will normally have a First Class Honours Degree and/or a Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline. The ability to work independently and enthusiastically with the support of a supervisor is essential. Good quantitative research skills are essential; experience of measurement development and or/brain imaging would be advantageous but not essential, as training will be provided. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to work with other PhD students and staff members from the research centres. Applications will be accepted from UK and EU nationals.

How to Apply Enquiries about the application process to Shanti Shanker (s.shanker@bangor.ac.uk). Application deadline is 15 July. Interviews are likely to take place at the end of July.

To apply please complete an online University postgraduate application form, available here: http://www.bangor.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/research/apply_research.php.en

In addition to the filling the application form please upload a copy of your CV. Once completed, please confirm submission to s.shanker@bangor.ac.uk In the research proposal section of the application, please instead provide a statement on your relevant research skills and experience (e.g. computer skills, knowledge of statistics, relevant prior experience, brief description of your research projects, etc.).