Molecular communication and AI based Modelling for Predicting Epileptic Seizures

Post summary 

Applications are invited for a PhD by research position for 4 years position funded by the WIT Co-Fund. This Co-Fund is a collaboration between the Walton Institute-Waterford Institute of Technology EU-FET Open Project Prime and WIT PhD Co-fund scheme. The candidate is expected to be highly self-motivated, and willing to work in the inter-disciplinary area of molecular communications and Artificial Intelligence. 

Position: Molecular communication and AI based Modelling for Predicting Epileptic Seizures  

Description: 

Neurological diseases account for one of the most complex medical challenges of this century, and one that continues to remain a challenge for humanity is Epilepsy. Over 50 million people globally, and 6 million in Europe suffer from epilepsy, out of which 400,000 people are in Ireland. Epilepsy affects the normal functions of the brain, and usually results from an uncontrolled over-firing process of the neurons within the brain. In recent years, a new research paradigm has been established, known as molecular communications. The aim of molecular communications is to characterize biological communication using concepts and theory from communication engineering and networking. The aim of this research position is to develop a multi-disciplinary approach towards studying epilepsy, and to achieve this through the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Artificial intelligence. The long-term result is to determine if technologies developed from ICT can be used to support animal studies, which are known to be very costly, or totally replace it. The objective is to develop a simulation platform that can be used to simulate the inter and intra cellular communication within brain cells that are linked to epilepsy. The key aims include construction of a simulation platform and its validation through experimental data as well as data from open repositories to determine the accuracy of the simulation model. This MSc research will use tools and knowledge from molecular communications, communication theory, electronic circuit theory, coupled with artificial intelligence to simulate and model neural activities before and during the occurrence of seizures, and to develop a simulation platform that can be used to accurately predict the epileptic seizures in advance. 

Standard duties and responsibilities of the scholarship 

• Standard duties and responsibilities of the scholarship·        
• Contribute to a cutting-edge FET Open research project PRIME. 
• Collaborate with partners in the PRIME project. 
• Publish in leading journals and present at top national and international conferences. 
• Complete specialist training as advised by supervisors. 
• Develop transferrable and generic skills. Complete two hours of academic development activities per week during the academic year.  
• Join a diverse community of young researchers and participate in WIT’s HRS4R training activities. 

Person specification  

Qualifications 

Essential 

·       First- or second-class honours degree (BSc degree) in Engineering in Electrical and Electronics (specializing in communication/computer engineering), or Computer Science (specializing in signalling processing and artificial intelligence) 

Desirable 

·       MSc degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Engineering in Electrical and Electronics (specializing in communication/computer engineering), or Computer Science (specializing in signalling processing and artificial intelligence) 

Knowledge & Experience  

Essential 

·       Keen interest in communication signalling and networks. 

·       Strong mathematical modelling skills in communication engineering (in particular, strong background in wireless communication engineering (e.g., analytical modelling of capacity and information rates), signal processing, good understanding of electronic circuit theory, and fundamental applied AI). 

·       Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

·       Good programming skills with experience in python, MATLAB, or other tools for modelling. 

Desirable 

·       Interest in Biological and Molecular Communications. 

·       Experience in mathematical modelling and analysis of systems. 

·       Expertise in machine learning and/or artificial intelligence. 

Skills & Competencies 

Essential 

·       Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details. 

·       Highly motivated, demonstrate initiative and ability to work within multi-disciplinary project team to achieve results. 

·       Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

·       Good academic record of excellence and writing skills. 

Desirable 

·       Prior experience working with/in industry, scientific paper and report writing. 

·       Paper Publications in notable venues such as high-quality IEEE/ACM journals and conferences. 

·       Research experience at master’s degree level in communication engineering and artificial intelligence. 

Further information  

For any informal queries, please contact [Hamdan Awan], +353 51[30 2920] or (preferably) by email on [[Email Address Removed]] 

For queries relating to the application and admission process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office via email "Post Graduate Admissions" <[Email Address Removed]> or telephone +353 (0)51 302883. 

Website: www.wit.ie   

Application procedure 

Please download the Research Postgraduate Application Form from the WIT Website and return completed applications to [Email Address Removed] quoting (WD_2020_58_WSCH) in the email subject line. Please note that paper submissions will not be accepted. 

Any queries relating to the application process should be emailed to [Email Address Removed]