Connectionists: Fully-funded PhD in computational neuroscience, Sheffield, UK

[Hazem Toutounji]

Dear all,

A fully-funded PhD position in computational neuroscience is available with
Dr Hazem Toutounji (University of Sheffield, UK).

*Project title: *Flexible or Flawed? A Computational Neuroscience Approach
to Learning Strategies and Psychiatric Traits

In our complex and ever-changing world, humans are constantly faced with a
flood of sensory information. To make effective and timely decisions, the
brain cannot possibly process every single detail. Instead, it is thought
to rely on intelligent "cognitive shortcuts" or simple strategies
(heuristics) to simplify complex problems. This allows for rapid and
flexible learning, but the mechanisms behind this process are not well
understood.

When are these shortcuts deployed? How does the brain select the right
strategy for the task at hand? How does it know when a shortcut is no
longer working and a new strategy is needed? And how are the selection and
efficiency of those shortcuts influenced by common psychiatric traits such
as anxiety and impulsivity?

This 3.5-year fully-funded PhD studentship provides an exciting opportunity
to work at the intersection of computational modelling, cognitive
neuroscience, and computational psychiatry. The successful candidate will
receive comprehensive training in all required methods.

*Position available for UK students only*
*Application deadline: *February 4th 2026
*PhD start date: *October 1st 2026

Further information on the project, requirements, and how to apply can be
found here:

http://www.findaphd.com/?pj=190228

*Please note: *Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact me (
h.toutounji at sheffield.ac.uk) to discuss your interest in and suitability
for the project prior to submitting your application.

Best wishes,
Hazem

-- 
*Dr. rer. nat. Hazem Toutounji (they / them) *[pronounced ḤAH-zem TUTUN-ji
<https://namedrop.io/hazemtoutounji>]
*PI of the Neural Dynamics and Computation Lab*
Lecturer in Computational Neuroscience
MSc Exams Officer, ECR Champion, Sustainability Lead
School of Psychology
The Neuroscience Institute
Insigneo Institute for in silico Medicine
University of Sheffield
ICOSS Building, 4th floor, desk 5
219 Portobello, Broomhall
Sheffield S1 4DP, UK

*Please don't feel obliged to respond to my emails outside your own working
hours*

If you are a student looking for support, please see this page
<https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/study/support>.

*Office hours during semester weeks:* Monday 14:00-15:00 -- Please book an
appointment with a brief description of the topic using this link
<https://calendar.app.google/1ayXM9DqBhAkLBCp6>. Face to face meetings are
at *ICOSS E04a*. To meet outside of office hours, please email me 24
working hours in advance.
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