PhD Position: Multisensory integration
Department of Kinesiology (Neuroscience)
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
One PhD position is available to Canadian resident students for a September, 2015 start to study multisensory integration (broadly defined) in the Multisensory Brain and Cognition Lab in the Department of Kinesiology (Neuroscience) at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Michael Barnett-Cowan.
The PhD position will focus primarily on measuring perceptual and motor responses to multisensory stimulation. Specific research topics are open for discussion as the research interests of the lab are quite broad. Candidates interested in the integration of visual and self-motion stimulation are strongly encouraged. The lab houses a Canadian Foundation for Innovation funded WaTerloo Immersive Multisensory Environment (WaTIME). The WaTIME system is a newly developed Virtual Reality (VR) research facility consisting of a 6 degree-of-freedom motion platform, an attached wide field-of-view stereo visual display, and integrated eye-and-head tracking. Several state-of-the-art research facilities in the lab and department include EEG, fMRI, TMS, GVS, tDCS, EMG, and Motion Capture.
Candidates applying for the PhD must be Canadian resident students with a Masters degree in one of the following or related fields: biology, computer science, engineering, kinesiology, neuroscience, or psychology.
Candidates should have a strong academic record that has led to publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. A background in vision science and psychophysics with a working knowledge of Matlab, Psychtoolbox, and/or Vpixx is desirable. Previous experience with computer programming, or other quantitative experience, is highly preferred.
The PhD comes with four years of guaranteed funding (minimum $21,865.00/year) through teaching and research assistantships. The position will be spent primarily in Waterloo, Canada, with the possibility of research terms at other national and international institutions. Waterloo is a very comfortable city with world-class cultural attractions, renowned farmer’s markets and easy access to outdoor attractions including the Grand River Conservation Authority. There are large vision science and neuroscience communities, which include The School of Optometry and Vision Science, The Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience, The Games Institute, as well as a vibrant technology industry that is well connected with the University.
Applications will be accepted until June 15, 2015. For further information on how to apply please contact Dr. Barnett-Cowan.