Machine Learning and Computational Modelling of the Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Brain Health

One fully funded scholarship is available in the School of Psychology at the University of Leeds for entry in 2026/27. It is open to UK (Home fee) applicants and covers full tuition fees plus a tax-free maintenance stipend, as part of a new flagship research programme, "MyPhone/MyBrain" funded by the Huo Family Foundation.

<p>Adolescence is a critical period of brain development, and today much of young people's daily experience is shaped by digital engagement such as social media, online video, gaming and increasingly AI tools like chatbots. Despite widespread concern, robust links between digital engagement and adolescent brain health remain elusive: behavioural studies typically rely on coarse self-report data, while neuroscience studies are usually too small and too homogeneous to detect subtle, individualised effects.</p> <p>This studentship will involve the acquisition and analyses (including biophysical modelling of EEG data and machine learning approaches) of a large volume of linked datasets to untangle the complex relationship between brain health and social media use.</p> <p>The student will join a multidisciplinary team led by Professors Faisal Mushtaq and Mark Mon-Williams and the project will be delivered in partnership with the Centre for Applied Education Research in Bradford.<br /> Please note that the primary location for this PhD studentship is at the Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford.</p> <h5>Management and training</h5> <p>The supervisory team will meet regularly with the student. The student will work closely with the wider MyPhone/MyBrain team, including the project's Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Research Software Engineer, Project Manager and Research Assistants, and with collaborators at the University of York (SDDS), Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Sheffield and the Montreal Neurological Institute.</p> <p>Training will be provided in EEG methods, machine learning, open and reproducible science, secure data handling in Trusted Research Environments, public and community engagement, and responsible research innovation. The student will also benefit from professional development opportunities through the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) and the Centre for Applied Education Research (CAER).</p>

<h5>Step 1 – Expression of Interest</h5> <p>Before making a full application, please email <a href="mailto:BrainPop@leeds.ac.uk">BrainPop@leeds.ac.uk</a> with a copy of your CV and a brief cover letter describing your motivation and interest in the project. We want to hear your own voice, so please write the cover letter yourself rather than using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT.</p> <h5>Step 2 – Formal application</h5> <p><strong>Please note that applications will be reviewed as soon as they have been received and processed in order to identify a suitable candidate in time for an October 2026 start date.</strong> To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application as soon as possible:</p> <ul> <li>A personal statement outlining your interest in the project, why you have chosen it and how your skills match the requirements</li> <li>A full academic CV</li> <li>Degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>For application type, select <em>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</em></li> <li>Give the Admission Year as <em>2026/2027 Academic Year</em></li> <li>For Planned Course of Study, select <em>PhD Psychology Full-time</em></li> <li>Give your Proposed Start Date of Research as <em>01 October 2026</em></li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for a <strong>Huo Family Foundation Scholarship 2026/27</strong></li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to this research degree should normally have at least a first-class or upper second-class (2:1) Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline, such as psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computer science, data science, biomedical engineering, statistics, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant area is desirable. Prior experience in any of the following is advantageous: programming (e.g. Python, R or MATLAB), EEG or other neuroimaging data analysis, machine learning or applied statistics, working with large or linked datasets, and engagement with young people or schools. Candidates should demonstrate curiosity, strong analytical skills, and enthusiasm for working across disciplinary boundaries and with diverse communities.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests for PhD, MSc, MPhil, MD are: • British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0 • Internet-based TOEFL - overall score of 88 (with not less than 19 in listening, 20 in reading, 22 in speaking and 21 in writing)

<p>We are offering 1 full-time PhD scholarship, funded by the Huo Family Foundation, in the School of Psychology for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant each year matching the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and UK tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant for 3.5 years. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to 2.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</p> <h5>Other conditions</h5> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1^st October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> <li>An enhanced DBS check and safeguarding training are mandatory before any school-based fieldwork.</li> </ul>

<p>We welcome and strongly encourage potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.</p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Faisal Mushtaq by email at <a href="mailto:f.mushtaq@leeds.ac.uk">f.mushtaq@leeds.ac.uk</a> </p> <p>For further information about the admissions process, please contact the Faculty PGR Admissions team: <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>