PhD in Biomedical Engineering

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PhD in Biomedical Engineering

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Job description

Offer DescriptionApplications are invited for a highly motivated PhD student to join an exciting new project that will use high density electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) to examine changes in neuroelectric signalling in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This is a 4-year studentship funded by the Trinity Research Doctorate Award.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease, is a nervous system disease that causes a progressive loss of muscle control. One of the major challenges in the diagnosis and assessment of ALS is the lack of biomarkers to quantify changes in motor function. Recently, research from Academic Unit of Neurology (AUoN) in Trinity College Dublin has shown that information from signals recorded from the brain (EEG) and muscle (EMG) can identify distinct differences in sensorimotor network function in motor neuron diseases (doi: 10.1093/brain/awab322; doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhad152). This project will examine whether features of high density surface EMG signals can be used to detect early signs of motor unit dysfunction.In this role the successful candidate will use dimension reduction techniques and nonlinear dynamic measures to examine the high density EMG structure. The aim of the project is to assess whether features of the high density EMG signals can sensitively detect subtle signs of motor unit degeneration in people with ALS. To address this aim, the high density EMG analysis will first be refined and tested using simulated data and data from healthy participants, before being applied to signals recorded in people with ALS.The candidate will join a dynamic and growing team of researchers at the under the supervision of , hosted in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute ‘s AUoN. AUoN is a multidisciplinary research group consisting of experts in clinical management, cognition, advanced neuroimaging, epidemiology, and genetics of ALS. The student will work alongside this growing group of ALS researchers and will be able to draw on the clinical and engineering expertise within AUoN.This position has a required start date of 1st September 2024, full details available . Interviews are expected to take place in April/May 2024.To apply, please send the following information to Ms Kristal MacNamara ( ) with the subject heading “Application for PhD Position”:

• A cover letter that includes specific details and evidence of relevant experience/skills and the motivation for pursuing this research area (~1 page)
• Transcripts for all undergraduate and postgraduate courses to date and copies of degree certificates (or equivalent) to show the degree has been or will be awarded
• A full Curriculum Vitae to include the names and contact details of 3 referees (including email addresses)
• Evidence of English language proficiency if required

Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

• Research and select the appropriate dimension reduction techniques and nonlinear dynamic measures (e.g., mutual information, entropy) to extract information from the HD-EMG signals.
• Refine and test parameter selection using simulated EMG data and HD-EMG signals recorded from heathy participants.
• Use existing MATLAB codes to process and analyse the EEG and high density EMG signals (including EEGLab, FieldTrip), and develop new algorithms for extracting information from HD-EMG.
• Research and evaluate linear and nonlinear methods of estimating corticomuscular coherence between the EEG and HD-EMG signals.
• Provide some assistance to team members recording EEG and high density EMG in healthy participants and in people with ALS at our recording lab, located at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin (we will provide the candidate with training in data collection).
• Appropriately manage and organise the large neurophysiological datasets and keep accurate, up-to-date, and detailed records for the project.
• Meet with supervisor regularly, attend and contribute to research group meetings, journal clubs, and communicate research findings at national and international conferences.
• Liaise and collaborate closely with other team members (other PhD students and Research Assistants) of our multidisciplinary research team.
• Prepare research articles for publication in high impact scientific journals.

Funding Information€25,000 annual stipend for four years funded by the Trinity Research Doctorate Award. EU and non-EU tuition fees covered.Trinity College Dublin, the University of DublinTrinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 98th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023). Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation.Located on an iconic campus in the heart of Dublin’s city centre, Trinity has 18,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across our three faculties – Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Engineering, Mathematics and Science; and Health Sciences.The pursuit of excellence through research and scholarship is at the heart of a Trinity education, and our researchers have an outstanding publication record and strong record of grant success. Trinity has developed that cut across disciplines and facilitate world-leading research and collaboration within the University and with colleagues around the world. Trinity is also home to 5 leading flagship research institutes, including Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI).RankingsTrinity College Dublin is the top ranked university in Ireland. Using the QS methodology we are ranked 98th in the world and using the Times Higher Education World University Ranking methodology we are 146th in the World.

• Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s No.1 University

(QS World University Ranking 2023, Times Higher Education Rankings 2022) * Trinity is ranked 98th in the World(QS World University Ranking 2023) * Trinity is ranked No.1 in Europe for Producing Entrepreneurs for the 7th year in a row Pitchbook 2021-2022Full details are available at: .RequirementsResearch Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Education Level UndergraduateResearch Field Mathematics » Chaos theory Education Level UndergraduateResearch Field Engineering » Electronic engineering Education Level UndergraduateResearch Field Physics » Other Education Level UndergraduateSkills/QualificationsPerson SpecificationQualificationsThe ideal candidate should have, or expect to shortly obtain, a first or upper second class honours (2:1) degree in Engineering (e.g., Neural, Biomedical, or Electronic/Electrical Engineering), Mathematics, Physics, Computational Neuroscience or related quantitative discipline and will be highly motivated and enthusiastic about research.Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable)Essential:

• A strong interest in biomedical/neural engineering and neuroscience.
• Excellent analytical skills and good coding ability (MATLAB preferred, but other programming languages like Python are also acceptable and encouraged).

Desirable:

• Experience in signal processing, particularly the analysis of electromyographic (EMG) and electroencephalographic signals (EEG).
• Experience working with datasets and conducting data analytics, statistics, using machine learning techniques and/or nonlinear dynamic measures (e.g. entropy, recurrence quantification analysis, etc.).
• A solid understanding of the principles of neuromuscular physiology.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including a proven ability to work to deadlines.

Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentAdditional InformationSelection processThe Selection Process in TrinityThe Selection Committee (Interview Panel) may include members of the Academic and Administrative community together with External Assessor(s) who are expert in the area. Applications will be acknowledged by email. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within 1 day of submitting your application online, please contact the named hiring lead on the job specification immediately and prior to the closing date/time.Given the degree of co-ordination and planning to have a Selection Committee available on the specified date, the University regrets that it may not be in a position to offer alternate selection dates. Where candidates are unavailable, reserves may be drawn from a shortlist. Outcomes of interviews are notified in writing to candidates and are issued no later than 5 working days following the selection day.The Selection Committee may avail of telephone or video conferencing or in person interview. The University’s selection methods may consist of any or all of the following: Interviews, Presentations, Psychometric Testing, References and Situational Exercises.It is the policy of the University to conduct pre-employment medical screening/full pre-employment medicals. Information supplied by candidates in their application (Cover Letter and CV) will be used to shortlist for interview.Applications from non-EEA citizens are welcomed. However, eligibility is determined by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and further information on the Highly Skills Eligible Occupations List is set out in Schedule 3 of the Regulations and the Ineligible Categories of Employment are set out in Schedule 4 of the Regulations . Non-EEA candidates should note that the onus is on them to secure a visa to travel to Ireland prior to interview. Non-EEA candidates should also be aware that even if successful at interview, an appointment to the post is contingent on the securing of an employment permit.Additional commentsEqual Opportunities PolicyTrinity is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the travelling community. On that basis we encourage and welcome talented people from all backgrounds to join our staff community. Trinity’s Diversity Statement can be viewed in full at . Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute Country Ireland City Dublin Postal Code D02 R590 GeofieldWhere to apply E-mail[email protected]Contact CityDublin WebsiteStreetTrinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, 152 – 160 Pearse Street Postal CodeD02 R590 E-Mail[email protected]STATUS: EXPIRED

Expected salary

Location

Dublin

Job date

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:35:18 GMT

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