Northeastern University London
London, United Kingdom

General Description
Northeastern University London is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in Network Science as part of a major institutional investment to advance interdisciplinary research across humanities, social sciences, and digital sciences. This PhD project, aligned with the “RUNES” (Reconstruction and Unification of Neural and Ecological Systems) ERC Consolidator Grant, focuses on understanding the geometric and topological structures underlying neural representations in both biological brains and artificial neural networks.

The research investigates how representational geometry shapes compositional cognition and explores parallels between human cognition and AI systems. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of mechanistic interpretability, computational neuroscience, and cognitive AI, using advanced techniques such as concept extraction, causal tracing, activation patching, and information-theoretic analysis.

Key research directions include:

• Studying how representation geometry in vision-language and large language models influences compositional success and failure
• Applying computational neuroscience methods to neuroimaging (fMRI) data from multitasking and cognitive binding experiments
• Bridging artificial and biological systems by identifying shared representational signatures
• Developing novel interpretability methods that capture group-level neural network structures

The candidate will join the NP Lab within the Network Science Institute, working closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students. The supervisory team includes experts from Northeastern University London and the University of Kent.

Northeastern University London is part of a global research network linked to Northeastern University (USA), offering international collaboration opportunities and access to a wide academic ecosystem. The PhD is a UK qualification with opportunities for engagement across global campuses.

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with a minimum classification of 2:1 or First Class (essential)
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (strongly recommended)
• Applicants from the UK and international backgrounds are eligible
• Applicants may be required to meet visa requirements (visa costs are not covered)
• English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.5 in each component) or equivalent, if applicable

Required Expertise/Skills

• Strong academic background in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields
• Proficiency in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks
• Strong computational, analytical, and modelling skills
• Interest or experience in mechanistic interpretability, representational geometry, or computational neuroscience
• Ability to work across interdisciplinary domains (AI, neuroscience, mathematics)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Salary Details

• Fully funded for 3.5 years (UKRI rates)
• Covers full tuition fees
• Annual stipend including additional London allowance
• Includes training and associated research costs

Application Deadline
30 April 2026 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis; position may close early once filled)

Application Link

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