Duration of study: Full time - 4 years fixed term (1y MRes + 3y PhD)
Starting date: September 2024
Primary Supervisor: Prof. Ilias Tachtsidis, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL)
Project Description:
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (or fNIRS) is an optical neuroimaging technique that uses NIR light to image the cortical brain changes of oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin concentrations (HbO2 , HHb). This allows us to identify brain neuronal activations areas by observing and quantifying the changes in the haemodynamics HbO2 , HHb concentrations due to the increases in brain blood flow, secondary to neuronal activity (a process known as neurovascular coupling). fNIRS is currently a well-established neuroimaging method for infant and adult neurosciences [see Pinti P. et al Ann N.Y.Acad.Sci. 2020]. However significant technological (hardware) and computational (software\analytics) improvements are required to allow better brain cortical sensitivity, improved brain imaging reconstruction for functional areas identification, and enhanced understanding of the physiological mechanisms of brain body physiology interaction.
This PhD project offers a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge optical neuroimaging technology. An added opportunity comes from our close partnership with Shimadzu, a Japanese company specialising in the commercialisation of optical neuroimaging instruments, who are co-sponsoring this scholarship; and the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL with expertise in applications of optical neuroimaging. The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to interact closely with both academic and industry experts, covering an expansive range of subjects from device design, as well as system and algorithmic developments. The research scope is comprehensive, encompassing optical instrumentation and algorithm development, to instrumentation testing beyond the stage of proof-of-principle by using it in human centric studies such as neuromarketing and sports sciences.
The training and research programme:
The successful candidate will join the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training programme in Photonic and Electronic Systems programme (PES CDT). Further information on the PES CDT can be found here: https://www.pes-cdt.org/
Funding:
This is a funded 4-year studentship, co-funded by the Engineering, Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Shimadzu.
The studentship will cover the Home-student's tuition fees plus a £21,181/year stipend for living costs increasing with inflation, as well as a top-up contribution towards travel and consumables.
More details about the stipend and fees can be found here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/research-innovation-services/award-services/research-studentships/studentship-budgets .
Qualifications required:
The candidate should meet the entry requirements of MRes + PhD programme at UCL:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/connected-electronic-and-photonic-systems-mres
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/electronic-and-electrical-engineering-mphil-phd
Candidates should have, or expect to achieve, a minimum of an upper second-class degree in Electronic Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or a related discipline.
The ideal candidate would have experience in, and passion for, one or more of the following:
- Optical engineering, optical physics
- Understanding of neurotechnologies
How to apply:
Interested candidates should email: [email protected] for the attention of Prof Ilias Tachtsidis.
Please include:
- Personal Statement.
- Relevant academic and professional qualifications. Include the name of the college/university/awarding body, qualification, grade/class/GPA and dates of study.
- List of all degree-level modules undertaken so far with marks (actual or expected marks).
- Exam transcripts (where available).
- Your UK residence status (required to establish your eligibility for EPSRC funding).
Contact:
For informal inquiries please contact Prof Ilias Tachtsidis ([email protected] ) who will be happy to answer any queries about the project.
Similar Positions
-
Research Excellence Ph D Studentship School Of Psychology Salary: An Annual Stipend Of £21,237 (2024 2025), Along With A Tuition Fee Waiver And A Training Bursary Of £2,000 Closing Date: 30/05/2024 Reference: Phd004 24 , University of East London, United Kingdom, about 4 hours ago
Location: Stratford Campus Salary: An annual stipend of £21,237 (2024-2025), along with a tuition fee waiver and a training bursary of £2,000 Post Type: Full Time Closing Date: Thursday 30 May 202...
-
Ahrc Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (Cdp) Ph D Studentship 'The Provenance Of Asian Collections (Pac)' , University College London, United Kingdom, about 9 hours ago
Ref NumberB03-02014Professional ExpertiseResearch and Research SupportDepartmentUCL SLASH (B03)LocationLondonWorking PatternFull timeSalarySee advert textContract TypePermanentWorking TypeHybridAv...
-
Ukri Doctoral Studentships Officer (Maternity Cover), King's College London, United Kingdom, 10 days ago
Job id: 087669. Salary: £37,332 - £42,099 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance. Posted: 11 April 2024. Closing date: 21 April 2024. Business unit: Research Management & Innovation. Dep...
-
Bloomsbury Colleges Studentship , University College London, United Kingdom, 13 days ago
Ref NumberB16-01442Professional ExpertiseResearch and Research SupportDepartmentSchool of Education (B16)LocationLondonWorking PatternFull timeSalary£34,605–£39,980Contract TypeFixed-termWorking T...
-
Research Excellence Ph D Studentship Royal Docks School Of Business And Law, UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON, United Kingdom, about 2 hours ago
30 Apr 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON Research Field Educational sciences Juridical sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Research...
-
Research Excellence Ph D Studentship Royal Docks School Of Business And Law Salary: The Studentship (Fee Waiver) Is For A Period Of 3 Years (Full Time Enrolment) And Will Include An Annual Tuition Fee Waiver Of £16,100 (International Students), And £6,020 (Home Students) Per Year* For 3 Years. Closing Date: 25/05/2024 Reference: Phd003 24 , University of East London, United Kingdom, about 4 hours ago
Location: University Square Salary: The studentship (fee waiver) is for a period of 3 years (full-time enrolment) and will include an annual tuition fee waiver of £16,100 (international students),...