PhD Studentship – Dissecting the Neural Code for Skilled Action Planning and Coordination
University of Birmingham
Location
Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
General Description
The University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded PhD studentship titled “Dissecting the Neural Code for Skilled Action Planning and Coordination.” This 3.5-year doctoral research position will be based within the Skilled Action and Memory Lab at the Centre for Human Brain Health and the School of Psychology.
The research forms part of a major programme funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship investigating how the human brain plans and coordinates complex skilled actions. The project aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that enable humans to perform skilled movement sequences and coordinate actions efficiently. Understanding these mechanisms has significant implications for neuroscience, motor control research, and the development of new neurotechnologies to support individuals with movement disorders.
The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research combining behavioural experiments, computational approaches, and advanced neuroimaging techniques. The project will involve collecting and analysing neural and behavioural data to understand how the brain represents and organises sequences of skilled actions during planning and execution.
Research activities are expected to include experimental design and behavioural testing of motor tasks, collection and analysis of neuroimaging data using techniques such as EEG, MEG, and fMRI, and the integration of neural and behavioural data using advanced analytical and computational methods. The project will also involve collaboration with an international network of researchers and institutions working in cognitive neuroscience, motor control, and neurotechnology.
The studentship provides training in neuroimaging methods, computational analysis, and interdisciplinary neuroscience research. The candidate will work within a collaborative environment alongside postdoctoral researchers, research associates, and fellow PhD students, with opportunities for international collaboration, research visits, and conference participation.
The PhD programme will commence in September 2026 and will provide access to state-of-the-art research facilities at the Centre for Human Brain Health.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) in neuroscience, psychology, engineering, computer science, robotics, or a closely related discipline.
A Master’s degree in a relevant field with strong research training is desirable.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in neuroscience, motor control, cognitive science, or neurotechnology research.
Candidates must satisfy the University of Birmingham’s doctoral programme entry requirements and English language proficiency requirements where applicable.
Required Expertise/Skills
Strong quantitative and analytical skills
Programming experience in languages such as MATLAB, Python, or R
Interest or experience in neuroscience research and experimental design
Experience with behavioural experiments or neuroimaging methods such as EEG, MEG, or fMRI (desirable)
Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills for scientific reporting and collaboration
Salary Details
The studentship provides funding for 3.5 years covering tuition fees at the UK home-student rate and an annual stipend at the UKRI doctoral stipend rate (approximately £21,805 per year for students starting in 2026).
International applicants may be required to cover the difference between home and overseas tuition fees unless additional funding is secured.
Application Deadline
13 June 2026