PhD opportunity: Quantitative modelling of cognitive function, University of Edinburgh
s.rama...@gmail.com
PhD studentship: Quantitative modelling of cognitive function
We are recruiting for a fully funded PhD studentship in the area of quantitative modelling of cognitive function. This project will be situated within the Centre for AI for Assistive Autonomy, a mission-driven research centre established using a UKRI Turing AI World Leading Researcher Fellowship awarded to Prof Subramanian Ramamoorthy, Professor of Robot Learning and Autonomy in the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. It is envisioned that the appointee will be jointly supervised with Prof Gnanathusharan (Thusha) Rajendran, Professor of Developmental Psychology at Heriot-Watt University.
Through the centre, the appointee will have the opportunity to interact with colleagues in a wide range of specialties across the University, including in machine learning and vision (e.g. Fisher, Mac Aodha, Bilen, Sevilla-Lara, Vergari), probabilistic programming (e.g. Narayanaswamy, Kammar, Belle), natural language understanding and interaction (e.g. Lascarides, Lapata, Gal), computational cognitive science and neuroscience (e.g. Lucas, Hennig, Nolan), as well as in robotics and neurotechnology (e.g. Vijayakumar, Nazarpour) and engineering of novel sensing and devices (Prodromakis, Koutsos, Amjadi). Beyond the university, the Centre will pursue collaborations with international teams including at The University of Texas at Austin (Stone), Stanford University (Kochenderfer), University of Bremen (Beetz) and Monash University (Burke).
The scientific focus will be on quantitatively modelling cognitive functions, with a focus on executive functions (i.e. planning, inhibitory control, multitasking) in healthy individuals and in individuals with varying degrees of impairment that are both acquired and developmental This will require a combination of cognitive modelling and the use of state-of-the-art machine learning methods (including various neural network architectures and compositional methods based on probabilistic programming) to learn individualised models from data.
These models will then lead to novel methods for assessing and improving the ability of older adults to perform everyday functional tasks that entail executive functions. The models will also support interactive artificial intelligence methods within assistive technologies associated with activities of daily living and cognitive rehabilitation.
The ideal candidate for this position would have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in the area of computer science, artificial intelligence, cognitive science or neuroscience, with a strong background in quantitative modelling and experience in computer programming.
This studentship provides:
· Tuition fees for three years (Home or Overseas rate)
· Fourth year matriculation fee
· Stipend at UKRI level (£19,237 for 2024/25, subject to annual increment) for three and a half years
· Entitlement to paid leave (illness, maternity, etc.) in line with UKRI terms and conditions
Interested candidates should (1) send an email with their CV to caa-phd-r...@ed.ac.uk, and (2) follow the instructions in this web page to complete the formal application https://postgraduate.degrees.ed.ac.uk/?r=site/view&id=495, indicating in their cover letter their interest in the project and supervisor. Applications should be received by 10 April 2025, to be considered for entry to the programme in October 2025.