Our multidisciplinary team focuses on research that has impact on the world around us and makes real difference to the quality of life of people living in our society.
This project is in collaboration with the Walton Centre, the only specialist hospital trust in the UK providing world class treatment to people with illness, disease, trauma in brain, spine, peripheral nerves and muscles. The project focuses on patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD)
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects one in 500 people and can progressively affect movement, with symptoms including tremor, rigidity, and slowness of gait. These symptoms are typically treated pharmacologically and/or using surgical intervention (Deep brain stimulation). It is crucial that clinicians can monitor the progression of the symptoms to select the most appropriate treatment and adjust parameters and dosage. This is especially true for surgical intervention candidates, where detailed monitoring of the symptoms (particularly gait, balance and tremor) will inform eligibility. Regardless of the chosen treatment, clinicians need to follow-up its efficacy. At the moment, this is typically done face-to-face using qualitative clinical scales such as the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale.
Globally, Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disease. By 2040, it is expected that the number of PwPD will reach 12 million. There is a dire need for developing novel methods and systems that allow accurate assessment of symptoms and enable remote monitoring and management of patients, e.g., to optimise treatment. This will be particularly significant as we are witnessing a demographic shift in the developed world and as we enter an era where pandemics become more often.
Our research focuses on understanding movement impairment and developing technologies to assist people with movement impairment. This project aims to develop an intelligent system that enables movement data collection and analysis to remotely track motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s Disease. The potential of the proposed system is huge in empowering both clinicians and patients to better understand the disease progression and hence better manage the disease. The system will support and enhance current standard clinical practice.
We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, organised team player who is eager to learn and acquire a comprehensive skillset in human movement research and in development of intelligent systems.
Training will be provided throughout the study in several ways. Project-specific hands-on training will be provided by the supervisory team and colleagues as needed and following regular Development Needs Analysis. This will include laboratory inductions, health and safety training, seminars, outreach opportunities and journal clubs. This project fits in Doctoral Training Network for Technologies for Healthy Ageing which provides additional training and provides a network of peer students. As a member of the Liverpool Doctoral College, a wide range of further training resources will be available. The student will have frequent meetings with the supervisory team and yearly meetings with two assigned Academic Advisors.
The successful candidate will have a 2.1 or 1st class degree in engineering, physics or computing/software development, or with equivalent relevant expertise.
The University is fully committed to promoting equality and diversity in all activities. In recruitment we emphasize the supportive nature of the working environment and the flexible family support that the University provides. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.
Enquiries to: Dr Heba Lakany, [Email Address Removed]
To apply: please send your CV and a covering letter to [Email Address Removed] please put Technologies for Healthy Ageing in the subject line
Expected interviews October 2021
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