Full-time PhD positions in the Dutch NWA-ORC project ‘LOAD’ on real-time monitoring in daily life for individuals with osteoarthritis

The two PhD positions include:

• PhD position 1: This PhD position will focus on the load pattern investigation by means of measuring movements of the users. Specifically, the PhD researcher will work towards minimizing the required number of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to obtain insights in both the kinematics and kinetics of the user. The relation between kinematics and kinetics is very important to improve the daily life functioning of OA patients. The goal is to estimate knee loading using IMUs by developing individual models based on biomechanical principles. Additionally, the PhD researcher will work towards a feedback application to minimize such loads to decrease the disease progression.
• PhD position 2: This PhD position will focus on the daily monitoring of the integrated factors across load patterns, physical fitness, and psychosocial factors. Specifically, the PhD researcher will develop multimodal human signal and system fusion algorithms to track the health condition and psychosocial factors of individuals with osteoarthritis using different modal physiological signals, such as inertial measurement unit (IMU), electrocardiography (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), and Electrodermal activity (EDA) signals, to answer the questions, such as, why someone (does not) start exercising, or (does not) stop exercising, as well as providing relevant inputs of a recommender system for coaching. The PhD researcher will apply and develop techniques, including multimodal and multidimensional signal processing, human physiological dynamic systems, and machine learning techniques.

The prospective PhD candidates are expected to perform high quality- and internationally visible research with publications in high rank peer-reviewed journals. The candidates will be mainly (co-)supervised by dr. Frank Wouda, dr. Ying Wang, dr. Bert-Jan F. van Beijnum, and dr.ir. Monique Tabak, Biomedical Signals and Systems (BSS) at the University of Twente and closely collaborate with the other partners within the LOAD project. The candidate will be appointed for a period of four years, at the end of which a PhD thesis needs to be delivered. During this period, the PhD candidate will be offered the opportunity to broaden their knowledge by joining Dutch LOAD consortium meetings and by participating in (inter) national conferences and workshops.

The successful applicant will join the BSS group of the department of Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS).

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the Twente Graduate School (TGS). Your work location is Enschede. You will intensively work together with the consortium partners of the LOAD project that are located throughout the Netherlands.

For more information regarding these positions, you are welcome to contact dr. Frank Wouda [email protected] for PhD position 1, and dr. Ying Wang [email protected] for PhD position 2. Note, please do not submit your application to the email addresses. You must submit your application before June 26, 2023 via the 'Apply now' button and include:

• A motivation letter (maximum 1.5-page A4), emphasizing your specific interest for this position, qualifications, skills and motivations to apply for this position;
• A full Curriculum Vitae, including a short summary of your previous research, contact information of at least two references that may be consulted and, if applicable, a list of publications.
• Lists of courses and grades of your BSc and MSc degrees.

Master students who will graduate in the next coming months are also welcome to apply.

Interviews are planned to take place on the 3rd July afternoon and the 4th July whole day .

Biomedical Signals and Systems (BSS: https://www.utwente.nl/en/eemcs/bss) is a multidisciplinary group based in Electrical Engineering, focussing on finding solutions for medical challenges via signal and system analysis. Advanced (ambulatory) sensor technology combined with our broad knowledge of the human body as a dynamic system enables (eHealth) technology to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sensory, motor and internal dysfunction in clinical and home/selfcare setting. Our research helps to improve the quality of life of older people with chronic diseases and rehabilitation patients.  The research mission of the Biomedical Signals and Systems (BSS) group is to:

• enable improved diagnosis and treatment of patients with motor, sensory and cardiopulmonary dysfunction in clinical and home/self-care setting,
• by developing knowledge, methods and tools for identification, control and modulation of neural, muscular and cardiopulmonary systems, cognition and behaviour. 
• using smart sensing, novel data analysis techniques and selective actuation technology or personalized eHealth technologies that enable prevention, timely diagnostics, and personalised coaching & treatment for chronic care and rehabilitation.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.