Support Announcement:

Level:	PhD
Duty:	Research,Project Work
Linguistic Field(s):	General Linguistics
Application Deadline:	10-Jul-2012
Supporting Institution:	University of Nottingham English and Engineering
LL Issue:	23.2783
Posted:	20-Jun-2012
Support Description:	PhD Project - Linguistic theory and neuronal computation The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham UK and the Division of English at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China have an exciting opportunity for an inter-disciplinary, international PhD fellowship in Biology and Linguistics. The successful applicant will work with Dr Noah Russell in the Neurophotonics Lab (NPL) in the Institute of Biophysics, Imaging and Optical Science (IBIOS), and with Dr Derek Irwin at the Centre for Research in Applied Linguistics China (CRALC), bringing together theoretical linguistics and experimental neuroscience research from across both the Divisions, allowing interdisciplinary work of the highest standard. The Neurophotonics Lab is developing technology to study fundamental aspects of information processing in the brain. To achieve this, we are developing a system in which a small network of cultured neurons will be able to continuously exchange information with a virtual environment programmed on a computer; such a construct is analogous to how a real organism interacts with its environment. This project involves the application of theoretical linguistics to analyse the semantic structure of levels of abstraction within this experimental system. This analysis will then be used to inform the mathematical design of experimental protocols. The PhD fellowship will be 3 years in length and is expected to start in October 2012. The scholarship will cover full tuition fees at each institution, living costs and an allowance for travel between campuses. The recipient will be required to spend initial time at the University of Nottingham UK, followed by time at the University of Nottingham Ningbo CRALC. Completion of the project will be conducted in Nottingham UK. Applicants must have a first class Master's degree in Theoretical Linguistics, with evidence of research training. Some knowledge of Neuroscienceand Mathematics is also desirable. Applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS average of 7 or equivalent English language qualification. All enquiries may be sent to Dr. Noah Russell nottingham.ac.uk>, or Dr. Derek Irwin . For more information about the schools involved, visit our UK and China websites: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/engineering/index.aspx http://www.nottingham.edu.cn/en/english/index.aspx http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/english/index.aspx
Application Mailing Address:	Dr. Derek Irwin 199 Taikang Rd. E Ningbo Zhejiang 315100 China
Contact Information:	Dr. Derek Irwin derek.irwin@nottingham.edu.cn