• Scholarships are open to Australian citizens and Australian Permanent Residents
• Two PhD scholarships to investigate neurocognitive correlates of individual and team decision-making and performance in complex environments
• $ 28,092 per year for 3 years

About this scholarship 

TWO PhD SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE to investigate neurocognitive correlates of individual and team decision-making and performance in complex environments.

The Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Research Hub (CSN-RH) and the Centre for Workplace Excellence (CWex) at the University of South Australia are calling for applications for two fully-funded PhD scholarships within in a research project entitled ‘Identifying neurobiological markers of high mental performance and optimal decision making in individuals and teams’ (funded by the Research Network for Undersea Decision Superiority, the Defence Science and Technology Group, Department Of Defence and the University of South Australia)

Available PhD Scholarships are for two topics:

1. Identifying neurocognitive markers of optimal performance on a complex cognitive task relevant to undersea decision-making
2. Identifying the combined role of EEG-based brain activity and behavioural strategies in predicting team decision making

These topics represent a unique opportunity for the merit-selected PhD candidates to work on an industry-partnered project to examine biologically based predictors of performance in real-world tasks with defence applications. Furthermore, these topics will establish a track record in research within an open science framework (OSF) using advanced techniques for EEG acquisition and analysis, and sophisticated statistical modelling. Finally, the PhD candidates will conduct experiments involving state-of-the-art undersea decision-making simulation environments.

Eligibility

Topic 1) Identifying neurocognitive markers of optimal performance on a complex cognitive task relevant to undersea decision-making

The merit-selected PhD candidate will run and analyze EEG-based experiments (together with the project team) to examine individual differences in performance on an undersea control room simulation task.

Students should hold or be close to completion of an undergraduate Honours or a Masters by Research degree cognitive neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, or similar, and be interested in applying their research skills to address real-world problems in applied neuroscience.*Other selection criteria apply, please make contact for further details.

Topic lead researchers: Professor Matthias Schlesewsky and Professor Ina Bornkessel-Schlesewsky, Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Research Hub (CSN-RH), School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy

Contact: Applicants for Topic 1 should email Professor Matthias Schlesewsky (matthias.schlesewsky@unisa.edu.au) or Professor Ina Bornkessel-Schlesewsky (ina.bornkessel-schlesewsky@unisa.edu.au) with their CV and a brief statement of interest, or alternatively, for any enquiries or discussion

Topic 2) Identifying the combined role of EEG-based brain activity and behavioural strategies in predicting team decision making
The merit-selected PhD candidate will investigate brain-to-brain synchrony (EEG-based synchronous vs. asynchronous activity) among team members as a predictor of team performance in a complex environment.

Students should hold or be close to completion of an undergraduate Honours or a Masters by Research degree in psychology, management, business, statistics, and be interested in applying their research skills to address real-world problems in applied psychology and management.*Other selection criteria apply, please make contact for further details.

Topic lead researchers: Dr. Ruchi Sinha, Centre for Workplace Excellence, the Business School, and Dr. Maarten Immink and Professor Matthias Schlesewsky, Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Research Hub (CSN-RH)

Contact: Applicants for Topic 2 should email Dr. Ruchi Sinha (ruchi.sinha@unisa.edu.au) with their CV and a brief statement of interest, or alternatively, for any enquiries or discussion.

*Highly motivated students with other backgrounds may also be considered for both scholarships.

The Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Research Hub (CSN-RH) and the Centre for Workplace Excellence (CWex) provide engaging and supportive research training environments founded on a commitment to high impact, collaborative world-class quality research. The two research centres provide a range of excellent developmental opportunities and learning experiences for PhD students. The CSN-RH facility includes state-of-the-art equipment for measuring brain activity, including both high-density and mobile EEG recording systems, two eye-trackers and equipment for transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Value

Qualified eligible candidates will be eligible for $28,092 per annum (2020 stipend rate) over 3 years in scholarship support.

How to apply and closing date 

Applications will be considered until the positions are filled.

For further information about research degrees at UniSA and the general application process please visit: https://u.unisa.edu.au/research/degrees/scholarships/