About the Project
This project is one of those available in the new EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Neurotechnology for Life and Health (see http://www.findaphd.com/search/PhDDetails.aspx?CAID=2386)
Supervisor: Dr E M Drakakis (Bioengineering, Imperial College), Additional advisors: Timothy Denison (Medtronic Neuromodulation (U.S.)), Peter Brown (University of Oxford)
The Imperial College Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Neurotechnology for Life and Health and Medtronic are recruiting candidates for a 4-year joint academic/industrial studentship in the field of Neuromodulation Microelectronics.
This studentship represents a unique opportunity for a motivated doctoral candidate wishing to work at the interface of translational academic-industrial research in neuromodulation microelectronic technologies.
The project
Highly qualified students are sought for a project focused on developing microelectronics for research tools that enable the exploration of neurological disorders. Ultimately, the research tool’s hardware and algorithm platforms should set a new performance standard for translational recurrent (bi-directional) brain-computer-interface technology architectures.
Electronic subsystems will be designed to facilitate the identification and preclinical evaluation of potential biomarkers, classifiers, and control methods using advanced neuromodulation methods. To improve the modulation of neural activity, there is strong interest in improving the actuation capabilities of neural interfaces to more physiologically interact with the nervous system. For example, new microelectronic circuit stimulation designs will allow researchers to generate multiple actuation patterns to investigate neural codes. Additional innovation will be derived from the new methods to apply sensors and sensor fusion. These include exploring biomarkers derived from biopotential amplifiers and impedance sensors. While the microelectronics for the research tool will be designed as general instrument building blocks, feedback from potential users will provide focus for evaluation.
The ultimate goal of the electronics project is enable research tools that help to translate therapeutic neural control systems to the clinic. However, the initial focus will be on a systems/hardware/chip-focused student for the project.
The successful candidate will be based at Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK and is expected to spend time at Medtronic sites (in US & Europe).
The CDT programme is not a standard PhD programme. Throughout the 4 years, there is considerable emphasis upon multidisciplinary and transferrable skills, through centre activities beyond the individual research project. The programme cannot be taken without the first (MRes Neurotechnology) year, as it is an integral part of the overall programme.
Applicants should have at least an upper second class degree (or non-UK equivalent) and the ideal student will have a solid foundation in Electrical Engineering (circuit design, algorithms, signal processing and control theory) complimented with a good understanding of biology, chemistry, and neuroscience. Additional strengths for consideration include demonstration of prototyping systems, familiarisation with chip- and PCB-level design, simulation, verification and layout software, mastery of design of experiments, and proficiency with technical writing and communication. Ideally, the student’s primary career interests should be focused on integrated mixed-mode circuit design, translational neuroengineering and technology development for clinical applications. Applicants should be self-motivated and comfortable working at the interface of academic and industrial research.
Funding Notes
The studentship is open to UK or EU applicants only and will cover Home/EU tuition fees and a tax-free annual stipend of approximately £16,000. An annual allowance is provided for research consumables and for conference attendance
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