Expression of interest: PhD students in Human Neurosciences

Two positions:

1)    Psychophysics of sound perception (normal physiology and cochlear implants)

2)    Sensory system of feet

Sensory bionics and motor control laboratory at NeuRA is currently seeking highly motivated and talented individuals to join our team and pursue a PhD in human neurosciences to understand sensory perception and neural code.

You will work in a vibrant interdisciplinary team investigating sensory information encoding and how it shapes our perception and contributes to motor control. Our fundamental research has various practical applications in developing mechanical and electrical stimulation techniques and control algorithms in hand prosthesis, cochlear implants, and robotic devices. We are part of a research network investigating sensory system of feet related to high performance sports, slips in elderly, pain, and diabetic neuropathy.

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is a leader in brain and nervous system research in Sydney, Australia. Our goal is to prevent, treat and cure nervous system diseases, disorders and injuries through medical research. NeuRA is affiliated with UNSW (University of New South Wales), which is ranked 19th between universities globally (2025 QS World University Rankings), and Prince of Wales Hospital, a major teaching hospital. Our research spans all aspects of neuroscience from the brain to the peripheral nerves and beyond. NeuRA has over 25 years history of high-quality research led by over 30 established research groups.

The successful candidate will receive a scholarship about $43,438/year and multiple opportunities for fully paid travel to attend international conferences and present data.

Essential criteria

·         Honours / Masters degree in biological/health/medical science, psychology, biomedical engineering or related discipline;

·         Candidate must meet the UNSW admission requirements for the Higher Degree Research;

·         Demonstrated research experience through coursework, projects, or publications;

·         Excellent analytical and communication skills;

·         Demonstrated organisational skills and attention to detail;

·         A record of excellent academic performance.

International applicants to demonstrate competitiveness for a scholarship require at least 2 first author publications related to the topic of the PhD project.

Favourable attributes

·         Research experience working with human subjects or patients;

·         Experience working in healthcare system;

We can offer projects in which candidates would be able to apply their technical skills in disciplines such as computer science, mechatronics, biomedical engineering, computational neuroscience, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI).

For enquiries, please contact: Prof Ingvars Birznieks i.birznieks@neura.edu.au

Join us in advancing human neurosciences through innovative research! We look forward to welcoming a passionate and dedicated PhD candidate to our team.

For the first round of admissions please send us your CV, Academic Transcript and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria to Prof Ingvars Birznieks: i.birznieks@neura.edu.au by 15 January 2025.

We will be looking for suitable candidates throughout 2025, please contact us and enquire about future opportunities if you plan to apply for PhD studies later during the year 2025.

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination in all our employment policies and practices.

NeuRA acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, and extends respect to all Elders past and present.