We are looking for 1-2 highly motivated, passionate, and competitive candidate for fully funded PhD positions in developing exciting technologies for vision restoration. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team working in the areas of high interest for neural interface or brain-computer interface. This position is based at School of Physics and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne.
About this position
This position forms part of Dr Tong’s research program funded by the National Health and Medical Research Centre (NHMRC). The PhD student will work towards the development of novel technologies for applications in retinal stimulation and vision restoration.
Bionic eyes, or retinal prosthetics, can restore a sense of vision to patients with photoreceptor degeneration by electrically stimulating the residual retinal neurons, but the quality of restored vision is limited. This project develops novel technologies that utilize mechanical stimuli and gene technology to modulate retinal neuronal activities. Compared to the conventional retinal prosthetics that rely on electrical stimulation, the technologies developed in this project are expected to be safer, less invasive, and may produce a better resolution of vision for the patients. In this exciting and innovative project, you will be trained in the cutting-edge technologies in retinal neurophysiology, such as patch clamping and calcium imaging, and investigate the responses of retinal neurons to different types of stimulation. You will also have the opportunity to learn the most advanced gene technologies and may gain experience in microdevice fabrication.
The successful applicant will be enrolled at the University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus. The University of Melbourne ranks first in Australia and 14th globally according to QS World University Rankings. Through the Parkville Precinct, It has one of the world-best environments for biomedical research. The student will be primarily supervised by Dr Wei Tong (ARC DECRA Fellow) based at the School of Physics, and be advised by Prof Michael Ibbotson (Professor in Visual Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering)
The candidate’s attributes
Applications are invited from outstanding and enthusiastic graduates with a background in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry, material science, or a related discipline.
The position is open to domestic and international students.
We are looking for students with:
· A First-Class Honours degree, Masters degree or equivalent
· Research experience in electrophysiology or calcium imaging (desired but not required)
· Analytical thinking, data analysis and critical problem-solving skills
· Ability to work collaboratively but also independently
· Fluency in written and oral English
How to apply
Please contact Dr Wei Tong (wei.tong@unimelb.edu.au) with the following documents:
1. a cover letter with a brief statement of your suitability and motivation to apply;
2. CV;
3. academic transcripts.
To find out more, please see my page: https://drweitong.com/
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