The Brain, Ear, and Aging Research (BEAR) Lab at the University of Montana is seeking a motivated PhD student to join the team starting Fall 2026. The lab, led by Dr. Anoop B J, focuses on how aging and hearing loss affect auditory processing, cognition, and psychosocial well-being. Research in the lab utilizes multichannel EEG/ERP, behavioral, and audiological methods to investigate how the brain encodes and adapts to complex sound environments. Current projects include studies on speech perception in noise, auditory evoked potentials, and brain–behavior relationships in aging.

Ideal candidates will have backgrounds in Audiology, Speech and Hearing (Communication Sciences and Disorders), Neuroscience, Psychology, Linguistics, or related fields, and should be enthusiastic about auditory neuroscience, speech perception, psychoacoustics, or neuroimaging. The PhD student will enroll in the PhD in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) program at the University of Montana, which offers a research-focused curriculum with opportunities for content specialization and interprofessional coursework. The program follows an apprenticeship model, allowing students to work closely with a primary faculty mentor while also benefiting from a broad academic experience.

The position is fully funded, including a tuition waiver and annual stipend, and involves teaching responsibilities and comprehensive research training. Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Anoop B J to discuss research interests and mentorship fit. Application requirements include a resume, statement of interest, academic writing sample, and three letters of recommendation (one from the confirmed doctoral faculty mentor). International applicants must meet the University of Montana Graduate School's requirements, including GPA and English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL).

To apply, prospective students should first reach out to Dr. Anoop B J to confirm mentorship and secure a letter of support. Once a faculty match is confirmed, applicants should submit their application through the University of Montana Graduate School website and email their materials to both their mentor and the PhD Program Director. For more information about the BEAR Lab, visit the lab website. Program details can be found on the PhD program page.