PhD Research Project

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ISVR-HFRU-101: Diagnosis of impaired tactile perception

Institution:

University of Southampton

Dept/School/Faculty:

Engineering & The Environment

PhD Supervisor:

Prof M. Griffin

Co-Supervisor:

Dr M. Morioka

Application Deadline:

Applications accepted all year round

Funding Availability:

Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

PhD Research Project

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A PhD student will join a team studying the perception of vibration in the human hand. The project is designed to develop new methods of measuring the performance of tactile channels involved in touch perception. Of the four channels mediating the perception of vibration, only two are currently tested clinically. The other two can be tested in scientific studies but it is not currently practical to measure them when diagnosing tactile impairment, including damage caused by occupational exposures to hand-transmitted vibration. The research will involve laboratory experiments using psychophysical techniques, and there will be an opportunity to participate in the clinical testing of patients. The student will use existing diagnostic equipment (HVLab Vibrotactile Perception Meter) and develop new equipment.

The successful candidate will work within the Human Factors Research Unit (HFRU) in the ISVR, which has highly motivated, first class research students researching in the area of human responses to vibration. See http://www.isvr.soton.ac.uk/ for further details of research activities within the HFRU.

This studentship is available to candidates with the equivalent of a first class or upper-second class degree in a related discipline (engineering, physics, psychology, or physiology), having an interest in psychophysical phenomena, statistics, and appropriate mathematical skills.

If you wish to discuss the project informally, please contact Dr Miyuki Morioka, Human Factors Research Unit, ISVR, Email: M.Morioka@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 593723.

Please send a full CV together with a personal statement (~300 words, stating why you particularly want to do a PhD, why you think you are suited to a research degree and what particularly attracts you to this project) to:
Professor Michael Griffin, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, Building 19, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK. Email: M.J.Griffin@soton.ac.uk

Funding Notes:

The studentship covers University tuition fees (EU/UK level**) and provides a tax-free bursary of minimum £13,590 per year, rising annually in line with the UK Government (EPSRC) recommended rates.

** Overseas applicants will be required to provide the fee difference from other sources.

Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 Results

Unit of Assessment: Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering				What is the RAE?
FTE Category A Staff Submitted	4*	3*	2*	1*	U/C
132.49	15%	45%	35%	5%	0%