The role of different error types in the brain processes that underlie motor skill learning

Project opportunity

This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.

This project will test the idea that there are two fundamentally distinct classes of motor learning processes in the brain that are driven by different error types. Using brain recordings, robotic perturbation of movement, and novel variations of classical learning paradigms, the project aims to reveal the neurocomputational properties of these proposed adaptation classes across a range of sensorimotor learning paradigms. The goal is to provide information that can help people to acquire and adapt movement skills in a range of practical contexts, from rehabilitation to sport. The successful applicant will be based at the University of Queensland, and will be supervised by Professors Tim Carroll (UQ) and Reza Shadmehr (Johns Hopkins University).

Scholarship value

As a scholarship recipient, you'll receive: 

  • living stipend of $32,192 per annum tax free (2023 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered
  • single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Supervisor

Professor Timothy Carroll

School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences

Email: timothy.carroll@uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your

  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history.

A working knowledge of computational methodologies to assess behavioural and neuroimaging data would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of computational neuroscience, neurophysiology, or behavioural psychology and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of neuroimaging methods and related analyses is highly desirable.

Latest commencement date

If you are the successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 1, 2024. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date.

If you are an international applicant, you may need to apply much earlier for visa requirements.

How to apply

You apply for this project as part of your PhD program application.

View application process