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Ansök senast: 2024-06-04
Fully funded PhD scholarship in Next Generation of Optical Neuroimaging
Ref Number B04- Professional Expertise Research and Research Support Department UCL BEAMS (B04) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary See advert text Contract Type Fixed-term Working Type On site Available for Secondment No Closing Date 24-May-
Project details
Duration of study: Full time - 4 years fixed term (1y MRes + 3y PhD)
Starting date: September
Application deadline: 24 May (interviews early June ). We encourage early applications.
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Ilias Tachtsidis, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL)
Location: UCL, Bloomsbury Campus.
Project description
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (or fNIRS) is an optical neuroimaging technique that uses NIR light to image the cortical brain changes of oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin concentrations (HbO2, HHb). This allows us to identify brain neuronal activations areas by observing and quantifying the changes in the haemodynamics HbO2, HHb concentrations due to the increases in brain blood flow, secondary to neuronal activity (a process known as neurovascular coupling). fNIRS is currently a well-established neuroimaging method for infant and adult neurosciences [see Pinti P. et al Ann ]. However significant technological (hardware) and computational (software\analytics) improvements are required to allow better brain cortical sensitivity, improved brain imaging reconstruction for functional areas identification, and enhanced understanding of the physiological mechanisms of brain body physiology interaction.
This PhD project offers a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge optical neuroimaging technology. An added opportunity comes from our close partnership with Shimadzu, a Japanese company specialising in the commercialisation of optical neuroimaging instruments, who are co-sponsoring this scholarship; and the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL with expertise in applications of optical neuroimaging. The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to interact closely with both academic and industry experts, covering an expansive range of subjects from device design, as well as system and algorithmic developments. The research scope is comprehensive, encompassing optical instrumentation and algorithm development, to instrumentation testing beyond the stage of proof-of-principle by using it in human centric studies such as neuromarketing and sports sciences.
The training and research programme:
The successful candidate will join the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training programme in Photonic and Electronic Systems programme (PES CDT) which comprises a 1-year MRes (Master of Research) followed by 3-year PhD. The one-year MRes course will equip you with the advanced research skills to embark on this exciting PhD with confidence. Further information on the PES CDT can be found here:
Funding
This is a funded 4-year studentship, co-funded by the Engineering, Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Shimadzu.
The studentship will cover the Home-student's tuition fees plus a £21,/year stipend for living costs increasing with inflation, as well as a top-up contribution towards travel and consumables.
More details about the stipend and fees can be found here: Application details
Qualifications required:
The candidate should meet the entry requirements of MRes + PhD programme at UCL:
Candidates should have, or expect to achieve, a minimum of an upper second-class degree in Electronic Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or a related discipline.
The ideal candidate would have experience in, and passion for, one or more of the following:
How to apply:
Interested candidates should email: for the attention of Prof Ilias Tachtsidis. Please do not apply on the UCL jobs page - your application will not be considered.
Please include:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in early June.
The successful candidate will then submit a formal application to UCL for the MRes+PhD programme via UCLSelect.
Contact:
For informal inquiries please contact Prof Ilias Tachtsidis () who will be happy to answer any queries about the project.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Our research is driven forward by talented researchers and PhD students who come from countries and backgrounds across the globe. We therefore strongly encourage applications from underrepresented backgrounds in engineering, such as women, ethnic minorities, or people with disabilities. EEE at UCL is a great place for you to study. We will make reasonable adjustments at interview and/or in the position as requested.
