Background

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD studentship in the area of sensory feedback for upper limb prosthetics with the Neuromuscular Systems Research Laboratory at University College Dublin (https://www.ucd.ie/neuro/). The PhD project is part of a SFI-IRC Pathway programme, and will be supervised by Dr Sigrid Dupan. The project studies the roles of sensory feedback at distinct stages of prosthetic use, from initial motor learning to home use of feedback devices. The project aims to lower prosthesis acceptance barriers, enhance prosthetic function, and will outline a data-driven approach to personalisation of sensory feedback. The PhD candidate will develop a computational model of the impact of sensory feedback on prosthetic skill. To achieve this, they will actively engage with project stakeholders, and collect closed loop myoelectric control data. The project will start in September 2022.

Who should apply

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer/Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, or Informatics (or a related discipline). Suitable candidates will have a strong interest in biomedical/neural engineering and neuroscience, and will have excellent analytical and communication skills. Experience in computational neuroscience, biomedical signal analysis, or machine learning are an advantage.

Funding

The PhD studentship covers tuition fees for EU applicants and a tax free stipend of €18,500 per year. An annual allowance is provided for research consumables and conference attendance and for a 3-month research visit in year 3.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter (1 page max), CV, and academic transcript to Dr Sigrid Dupan (current email: sigriddupan@gmail.com) or Professor Madeleine Lowery (madeleine.lowery@ucd.ie) by June 30, 2022.