Olga Kostopoulou

The School of Convergence Science at Imperial College London is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in the area of Health & Technology, focusing on cognitive workload and burnout in safety critical domains. The project, supervised by Professor Olga Kostopoulou (Applied Cognitive Psychologist) and Professor Arnab Majumdar (Engineering), aims to assess different methods for measuring cognitive workload in doctors and firefighters during diagnosis and situation assessment in simulated operational environments. The ultimate goal is to anticipate errors and develop recommendations for averting burnout, contributing to improved decision making and well-being in high-stress professions. This opportunity is ideal for candidates with backgrounds in Engineering, Psychology, Medicine, cognitive neuroscience, or related scientific disciplines, especially those with strong quantitative or mathematical skills. The research will involve interdisciplinary approaches, combining cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and health technology to address real-world challenges in safety critical settings. The project aligns with the EPSRC’s remit and the School of Convergence Science’s mission to foster innovative, cross-disciplinary research that shapes the future of health and technology. The studentship provides 3.5 years of funding, including a London-weighted UKRI stipend (£23,195 per annum for 2026/27), home fees at the UKRI indicative fee level, and £4,000 for research expenses over the duration of the project. Please note that funding is only available to candidates who qualify for home fees status (UK). The successful applicant will join a vibrant research community at Imperial College London, benefiting from access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary training, and opportunities for collaboration across engineering, psychology, and medical science. Applicants are expected to contact the project supervisors directly and submit a CV, cover letter, two reference letters, confirmation of completed Candidate Information Form, and confirmation of commitment to SCS DLA cohort activities. The application deadline is Friday, 27 February 2026, with the expected start date in October 2026. For further details and to explore the full range of available projects, visit the School of Convergence Science PhD opportunities page. Keywords: Cognitive Workload, Burnout, Health & Technology, Cognitive Psychology, Decision Making, Safety Critical Domains, Quantitative Methods, Neuroscience, Engineering, Medicine.