[Eeglablist] PhD position in visual cognitive computational neuroscience at the University of Cambridge (Kamila Maria Jozwik)

[Kamila Maria Jóźwik]

*PhD in visual cognitive computational neuroscience *

*Supervisor: *Dr. Kamila Maria Jozwik, Jozwik lab, University of Cambridge

*Application deadline: *13th March 2026

*Application link: *
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvbspdbsc__;!!Mih3wA!BXSTAWcT71OmH1b0Tz5JJcI1CHjE8J-eDUC_XOhcvL5YQV5DLlpiGMcOdlQVTNLFSNevzRlT2mOh6Iec6S3R3parOkS3$ 

*PhD fees status: *Home fees only (
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status__;!!Mih3wA!BXSTAWcT71OmH1b0Tz5JJcI1CHjE8J-eDUC_XOhcvL5YQV5DLlpiGMcOdlQVTNLFSNevzRlT2mOh6Iec6S3R3hC5U_-l$ ),
4 years, fully funded

*Start date*: October 2026

The Jozwik lab studies visuo-semantic cognition combining cognitive
science, neuroscience, and computational modelling. The lab’s research has
focused on probing specific visual dimensions in the context of face,
animacy, and object representations more generally. We collect and analyse
human behavioural and brain imaging (fMRI and M/EEG) data. We also analyse
macaque electrophysiology data obtained through collaborations and perform
cross-species comparisons. We use machine learning techniques for neural
data analysis and computational modelling with a special interest in
biologically-inspired deep learning and AI models (NeuroAI). The
computational models we work with include vision deep learning models
(including topographical, recurrent, or developmentally inspired models),
multimodal vision and language models, and Large Language Models. Please
find prior work here: (Google Scholar:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=oEifmSgAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate__;!!Mih3wA!BXSTAWcT71OmH1b0Tz5JJcI1CHjE8J-eDUC_XOhcvL5YQV5DLlpiGMcOdlQVTNLFSNevzRlT2mOh6Iec6S3R3v3ShQGO$ ).
We also began exploring how to apply our expertise in visuo-semantic
cognition and AI to neurotechnology (Focused Ultrasound Stimulation) and
understanding mental health conditions.



The PhD student is welcome to work on one (or more) of the three aspects of
the research programme funded by the Royal Society that aims to disentangle
and model behaviourally-relevant visual and semantic dimensions
(characteristics of objects: ”curved”, ”pink”, ”having eyes”, “being
animate”, ”having agency”, or ones that are hard to name) of visual
cognition in the human brain, while increasing the ecological validity of
experiments (including mobile EEG and immersive technologies), in the light
of the below three aims. Note Dr. Jozwik would be happy to discuss PhD
projects related to these aims, as there is some flexibility in research
directions.

1) characterise behaviourally-relevant visual and semantic dimensions by
the use of large-scale brain imaging datasets of responses to images and
model these representations with computational models and validate these
predictions in follow-up neuroimaging experiments,

2) define and model dimensions related to the perception of animacy when
interacting with objects and people using videos (behaviour, fMRI, and MEG),

3) determine to what extent these brain representations and dimensions
change when humans are immersed in the environment (VR/AR and/or mobile
EEG).

*The ideal candidate* will have:

- extensive experience in programming in Python or Matlab and data analysis
(essential, please note that coursework coding during an undergraduate or
Master’s degree will likely not be enough)

- substantial research experience (essential, e.g., through research
MPhil/Master’s degree, or research assistant job)

- experience with behavioural and neuroimaging (fMRI, M/EEG) data
design/collection/analysis

- experience in machine learning and AI

- a collaborative approach to doing science and willingness to help other
lab members

- curiosity and motivation to work on the proposed or related research
questions.



*Before applying, please contact Kamila Maria Jozwik* (Royal Society
University Research Fellow and Assistant Research Professor,
jozwik.kamila at gmail.com or kj287 at cam.ac.uk).

In the initial email, please include:

- your CV

- information about your programming, computational modelling, and relevant
research, data collection and analysis experience (fMRI, M/EEG,
neuromodulation, electrophysiology, behaviour)

- details of journal and conference publications, preprints, and research
theses

- Please also ask 2-3 of your referees, ideally with whom you have worked
on research projects, to email their reference letters to Dr. Jozwik.



*Lab research environment*: The Jozwik lab is based at the MRC Cognition
and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, with links to broader
Cambridge (e.g., Cambridge NeuroWorks powered by Advanced Research and
Invention Agency) and international scientific ecosystems (e.g., the Center
for Brains, Minds & Machines, now MIT Quest for Intelligence). The Unit has
an on-site 3T fMRI scanner (with access to a 7T fMRI scanner within cycling
distance), an MEG scanner, EEG systems, Focused Ultrasound, Transcranial
Magnetic Stimulation, and dedicated methods and computing support staff.
The Unit runs two MPhil Programs: Cognitive Neuroscience and NeuroAI, and
PhD students have the opportunity to supervise MPhil students. The lab
values commitment to rigorous, open science, supports diversity in all its
meanings, and drives curiosity in a supportive, multidisciplinary, and
international research environment.