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No current vacancies. 

I am keen to support PhD applications in the domains of learning, language, and/or literacy development. Some suggested project remits are described below that align with our current work, but these are by no means prescriptive. Potential applicants are encouraged to get in touch discuss alternative ideas that they think would be a good fit to the research we conduct at York.

1. How do we use morphological knowledge to support new word learning?

2. How do adolescents learn and consolidate new words across school subjects?

3. How do retrieval practice and sleep interact in boosting word knowledge?

The Department of Psychology at York prioritises good research partnerships with local schools through SUNRAY. We have access to a wide range of research facilities, including eye-tracking and neuroimaging methods available at York Neuroimaging Centre (including fMRI, MEG, sleep lab). The department also benefits from a highly active Early Career Researcher Forum, who organise training and social opportunities for PhD students.

2027 entry: You can find some more details on suggested topics via the findaphd advert.

What funding is available? 

The Department of Psychology runs a competitive scheme for departmental studentships and also supports applications for the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnerships ESRC studentships. Students are encouraged to apply to both schemes which typically have a deadline in early January; please see the departmental information. 

2027 entry: Applications are invited for one of three Departmental Studentships (open competition), inclusive of UK tuition fees, an annual stipend (~£20,000), and guaranteed 100 hours of paid teaching. Eligible applicants must also apply for studentships through the ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership.

I'm interested! What now? 

Potential applications should send email in the first instance (emma.james@york.ac.uk). This email should include details about your research interests, motivation for pursuing a PhD, and fit with Learn Lab York. Please also include a copy of your CV, and details on how you would intend to fund your PhD.

From there, we will discuss our overlap in research interests and whether York would be a good fit for your PhD research. If we decide to proceed with an application (early November), I will then support you in developing a research proposal ahead of the funding deadline in December. 

Developing a strong research proposal takes a long time, and potential applicants often come to realise that it is not feasible for them to develop their application ahead of the deadline.  September/October is a great time to get in touch for the following academic year, but the sooner you get in touch, the better.

Undergraduate and taught postgraduate students interested in the lab's work are welcome to get in touch with Emma via email for potential volunteer opportunities.  This email should include details of your interests and motivation, the skills you wish to gain, and a copy of your CV.  The availability of these opportunities depends on the stage of different projects in the lab, so it is always useful to register your interest in advance. 

Some of our funded research projects include paid research assistant or summer intern opportunities. These will be advertised here, on the Psychology Department Jobs board, and via student communications. 

We welcome conversations with both academic and non-academic partners on ways to work together. Please reach out for an informal chat!