Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship starting in September 2012 to undertake research on Spontaneous Musical Imagery (or ‘earworms’), as part of a three year grant awarded by the Leverhulme Trust to Dr Lauren Stewart and in collaboration with Dr Daniel Müllensiefen and Dr Vicky Williamson at the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London.

Spontaneous, involuntary cognitions such as the ‘tune in the head’ phenomenon are both vivid and prevalent. They are valuable hallmarks of our inner mental life, yet they have been typically regarded as beyond the reach of scientific investigation. Building on pilot work carried out in collaboration with the BBC radio station, 6Music, the proposed project will apply a combination of experimental psychology, computational and cognitive neuroscience approaches to address fundamental questions concerning the content, possible function and neurobiological origins of spontaneous musical imagery in order to formulate a causal model of this most prevalent form of spontaneous involuntary cognition.

Candidates should have a good degree (2:1 or above) in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field. Experience with experimental psychology approaches and/or computational methods and/or functional imaging is essential.

The studentship will cover tuition fees (at UK/EU rates) and a stipend (£15,590 per year).

Note: The studentship will not cover full international fees as it is capped at UK/EU rates. Interantional students can apply for the post, but would be responsible for the difference between UK/EU and international fees. Contact Goldsmiths admissions for more details.

To apply please email a CV (2 pages maximum) and a Statement of Interest (Why are you interested in this topic? What relevant skills do you bring to the project? (1 page maximum) to Dr Lauren Stewart (stewartphd2012@gmail.com) by Thursday 31 May 2012.