Dear all, The following 4-year PhD studentship (for start October 2014) is open. Note that the studentship is open to EU students. Cheers, Simon Peripheral nerve decoding algorithms for bioelectronic medicines Supervisors: Simon Schultz (Bioengineering), Nick Jones (Mathematics), Hannah Tipney (GSK) This project is one of 12 studentships for 2014/15 in the new EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Neurotechnology for Life and Health (see http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/neurotechnology/cdt) Bioelectronic medicine, in which devices connected to groups of individual nerve fibres are used to control the patterns of electrical signals to restore health to organs and biological functions, has been suggested to have the potential to make major advances in the treatment of conditions resistant to drugs, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension and pulmonary diseases (Famm et al, Nature 496:159-61, 2013). The development of bioelectronic medicines, however, is contingent upon the existence of suitable technology for monitoring and perturbing activity in peripheral nerve fibres; in particular, being able to "read out" and interpret signals carried by a peripheral nerve fibre is an essential milestone. In this project, we will develop decoding algorithms capable of reading out both continuous physiological signals, and discrete "events", from peripheral nervous system (PNS) electrical signals. These algorithms will be applied to a variety of datasets collected by members of a research network in Bioelectronic Medicines that has been established by GlaxoSmithKline, plc. The project will involve two phases. The first year will comprise an MRes Project, in which the student will gain a deep understanding of the different approaches that can be taken to decoding physiological signals, testing algorithms on simulated data, which will be generated in the course of the project; we expect this computational model of a peripheral nerve to be a major output of the MRes year. In the following years, and exploiting and advancing a new signal processing architecture, the student will develop refined decoding algorithms optimised for use with peripheral nerve signals at several spatial scales, and will work with research groups across the GSK network to apply these algorithms to real PNS datasets. Contact Dr Simon Schultz, s.schultz@imperial.ac.uk for more information on the project. Who should apply? The CDT programme is not a standard PhD programme. Throughout the 4 years, there is considerable emphasis upon multidisciplinary and transferrable skills, through centre activities beyond the individual research project. Applicants should be seeking to undertake a multidisciplinary 4-year research training programme at the interface between neuroscience and engineering. Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class degree in an engineering or physical sciences discipline. Students with a biological or medical sciences background will be considered in exceptional circumstances, provided they can demonstrate substantial quantitative skills. Funding The studentship will cover tuition fees and a tax free stipend of approximately £16,000 per year. A generous annual allowance will be provided for research consumables and for conference attendance. How to apply Please visit: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/howtoapplypg to make your application via the Imperial College online "Embark" system. Once in the application form, candidates should select the option: "MSc, MRes - to be followed by Research (I have 4 years funding)" from the preliminary questions section and then choose Programme Title: "Neurotechnology [1plus3] (MRes 1YFT)|H6NT|SK|FT|CN". Please contact Kate Hobson (k.hobson@imperial.ac.uk) if you have questions about the application process. Deadline for applications: 31st July 2014