PhD Opportunity in Psychology

A PhD position (subject: Psychology) is available at Zhejiang University, China.

Supervisor: Dr. Liyu Cao (https://person.zju.edu.cn/en/liyucao#0)

About the university

Founded in 1897, Zhejiang University (ZJU) is a comprehensive, research-oriented, innovation-driven university with distinct features and substantial international impact. It ranks 45th in QS World University Rankings 2022 and was proudly awarded International Strategy of the Year by the Times Higher Education.

About the department

The Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences have multiple vibrant research areas, including Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Engineering Psychology, Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management, Clinical Psychology, Developmental and Educational Psychology.

About the supervisor

Dr. Liyu Cao obtained his first degree in psychology from Wuhan University (B.Sc., 2012). He then moved to Glasgow (UK), where he received training in studying human cognition using magnetoencephalography and a second degree in psychology (Ph.D., 2016). From 2016 to 2021, he worked as a postdoctoral research scientist in Würzburg (Germany). He joined the current department in July 2021. Dr. Cao has widespread interest in psychology, with a current focus on sensorimotor processing (how actions influence sensory processing and how sensory processing influence motor output). His research methods include EEG, MEG, psychophysics etc. He also has access to epileptic patients (sEEG data) and psychiatric patients (behavioural testing, EEG).

About the research topic

There are no predefined research topics. The successful candidate may choose a topic within the scope of cognitive psychology for the PhD thesis. The research topic needs to be discussed with Dr. Cao, and a mutual agreement should be reached. Dr. Cao can also suggest a few possiblities, should that be needed.

Eligibility

• A 2.1 honours BSc degree (or above) or merit level Masters degree in Psychology or a related subject
• Strong interest in doing research
• Applicants whose first language is not English must provide IELTS (at least 6.5) or TOEFL (at least 90) scores

Scholarship

Multiple sources of funding opportunities are available. Successful candidates may apply for scholarships from the national government (https://www.campuschina.org/content/details3_74776.html), the provincial government, or the university (http://iczu.zju.edu.cn/english/redir.php?catalog_id=22233). Those scholarships cover the tuition fees, the health insurance, the accommodation, and a monthly stipend.

Application Details

Contact: Dr. Liyu Cao

E-mail: liyu.cao@zju.edu.cn