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 Imperial Biomedical Research Centre

PhD positions in Surgical Robotics and Allied Technologies / Diagnostics and Sensing, Imperial College London

Applications are invited within the Surgery and Surgical Technology Theme as part of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Imperial College London, led by Professor the Lord Ara Darzi.

The Surgery and Surgical Technology Theme’s three inter-related programmes of research, shown below, aim to improve the quality and safety of the surgical care pathway through technological innovations:

  • Programme 1 - Surgical Robotics and Allied Technologies
  • Programme 2 - Diagnostics and Sensing
  • Programme 3 - Translation and Service Delivery

We have 3 NIHR-BRC-funded PhD studentships, providing an annual stipend of £21,000 plus payment of full time UK/EU tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months. Please note that these studentships are only available to UK/EU citizens.

 Imperial Biomedical Research Centre

We are seeking PhD students who will work as part of Programmes 1 and 2. Examples include:

Programme 1

  • Develop the next generation of minimally and ultra-minimally invasive surgical robots.
  • Use computer vision, image guidance, proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensing and haptics, for soft tissue tracking and safe navigation.
  • Link 3D deformation recovery with pre- and intra-operative data and implement multi-modality methods (light, biophotonics, ultrasound) for registration and surgical imaging.
  • Translate these techniques into surgical use with seamless user interaction, manipulation and visualisation.

Programme 2

  • Development of pre- and intraoperative methodologies and devices for improved screening and enhanced intraoperative diagnostics towards precision interventions.
  • Integrated technology development for diagnosis and screening through enhanced tissue characterisation and machine learning methodologies.
  • Post-operative sensing – development of wearable sensors for rapid detection of tissue infections and sensors fabricated within drainage/catheter tubes for detection of sepsis.
 Imperial Biomedical Research Centre

To apply you would need to hold a 1st Class degree and Masters passed at Merit or Distinction, in any of the following subjects:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Electrical/Electronic/Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Physical and analytical chemistry

We are looking for individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas and an interest to further develop their skills:

  • Molecular spectroscopy
  • Chemical sensor technology
  • Biophotonics
  • Multivariate statistical analysis
  • Machine learning/AI
  • Software development (C++, C# or Python)
  • Embedded systems
  • Real-time programming
  • 3D computer graphics
  • Medical imaging
  • Image processing

The application deadline is 31st October 2018.

Robotic eye gaze

How to apply

In the first instance, please:

- Email: e.lord@imperial.ac.uk (and cc s.mcateer@imperial.ac.uk)

- Your application should contain the following items:

  • Your CV
  • A personal statement no more than 1000 words outlining: 1) your interest, 2) your background, and 3) which research area(s) you would like to base your project on.
  • Scans of your educational certificates and transcripts from your Masters degree and your Bachelors degrees.
  • Names and contact details of 2 referees who can speak to your educational background. Reference letters from these referees are ideal, but not required at this stage.

Following interview, successful candidates will be required to formally apply through the Imperial College London Postgraduate Research Programme route.