Intelligent systems for effective chest compressions during Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Supervisor: Prof. Liudi Jiang

Co-supervisor Dr. Serena Cottrell, Dr. Rachael Gregson

Project description

In the UK alone, there are over 30,000 cardiac arrests outside hospitals every year, but the survival rate remains less than 1 in 10. Conducting chest compressions promptly and effectively in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is vital to restore blood flow, helping save people’s lives.

Despite widespread awareness and international guidance on best practice for CPR treatment, there is lack of an effective feedback system which could be practically applied to guide CPR. This problem requires multidisciplinary engineering research and development.

This PhD project aims to develop a first-of-its-kind intelligent system to assist CPR chest compression, which will be underpinned by novel biomechanical research and advanced sensor systems. You will join an established and dynamic interdisciplinary research team at the University of Southampton. You will benefit from a supervisory team with engineering and clinical research expertise and the opportunity to collaborate with world-leading clinical research partners. The PhD student will have access to advanced experimental and computational resources at Southampton.

Candidates are encouraged if they have knowledge or experience in the general engineering fields of e.g. mechatronics, mechanical and/or electrical engineering, or other relevant disciplines, and are interested in applying these skills for biomedical research with real-world impact. You will also be expected to demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills. No previous experience with CPR or biomedical knowledge is required as training will be provided.

Applicants should have, or expect to gain, a UK first or upper second-class degree in a related subject. The PhD studentship is available to start anytime now or no later than September/October 2020. For further information or to discuss any details informally, please contact Prof. Liudi Jiang (email: L.Jiang@soton.ac.uk; Tel: 023 8059 8748) attaching a brief CV.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 May 2021 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: full tuition fees for EU/UK students plus for UK students, an enhanced stipend of £15,009 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Applications should be made online here selecting “PhD Eng & Env (Full time)” as the programme. Please enter Liudi Jiang under the proposed supervisor.

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts to date

Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk