The aim of the studentship is to study the role of neural oscillations in the formation of new speech memories at the University of Liverpool.

The candidate will develop original experimental procedures combining the presentation of speech stimuli (e.g., audio-visual but also podcasts and silent movies could be used for spinoff projects) with electroencephalogram EEG technique. There will also be the opportunity to record very rare intracranial EEG data with implanted epilepsy patients, to investigate the local activity from small groups of neurons in the deep Medial Temporal Lobe. The Department of Psychology also provides access to a range of non-invasive neurostimulation facilities (transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS and transcranial direct-current stimulation). Combining neurostimulation techniques to our procedures will enable to perturb the neural oscillations from the neocortex during speech perception in order to establish their causal role on subsequent memory formation.

More information about the project and how to apply There

If you would like to enquire about the project, please contact me at e.biau@liverpool.ac.uk

Deadline: Thursday 30th November 2023

We are searching for an outstanding candidate to work with us on a synergic partnership between two University teams: Liverpool (myself and Sophie Wuerger) and Newcastle (Yuki Kikuchi and Chris Petkov).

The project aims (1) to advance understanding of brain rhythms in audio-visual perception and memory formation. (2) To advance a new cutting-edge brain stimulation technology from animal models directly to studies with humans, with both species conducting parallel memory and concept formation tasks.

The studentship program will consist in designing audio-visual memory tasks based on recent results from both labs, and applicable with humans and nonhuman primates. In Liverpool, the student will test human participants to link perception and memory performance with brain activity (EEG). In Newcastle, the student will test primates working on an adaptation of the memory task, while an innovative approach modulating the brain activity with transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) will be applied to establish the role of the brain rhythms in the formation of new concept memories.

More information about the project and how to apply There

If you would like to discuss about the project and prepare an application with us, please contact me at e.biau@liverpool.ac.uk

Deadline: Monday 15th January 2024