The School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at the University of Queensland, Australia, invites applications for a PhD position in neuroengineering and rehabilitation robotics.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Loss of hand function significantly affects the quality of life of individuals with spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders. Among candidate interventions in these conditions, electrical stimulation is a potential technology to restore reaching and grasping function. Nevertheless, solutions proposed so far present limitations, such as limited muscle selectivity, varying motor response, or the requirement of an invasive procedure for placing the electrode interface.

In this thesis, the main goal is developing and evaluating control strategies for noninvasive electrode arrays to improve stimulation selectivity during functional grasping tasks. In addition to developing algorithms based on control and machine learning, the project also involves using wearable sensors to improving user control interface. Collaboration with researchers from health sciences and studies with persons with disabilities is expected. By the end of your graduate study, you will be an expert in neuroengineering with comprehensive skills in biomedical engineering, control, and machine learning.

SELECTION CRITERIA

* University degrees in biomedical, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, computer engineering, or closely related disciplines.

* Experience in biomedical signal processing, real-time control, programming in Python and Matlab, and data analysis is required.

* Experience in human movement analysis, virtual reality, robotics, and previous research involving human subjects is desired.

* Interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, creativity.

* Proficiency in written and oral English.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this scholarship, please email the following documents to Dr Antonio Padilha L Bo (antonio.plb@uq.edu.au)

* Cover letter specifying how your experience and skills match the position

* CV including English proficiency level and publication list

* Academic transcripts of BSc and MSc degrees

* Contact information for at least two academic references. A support letter will be requested only if your application is considered

MORE INFORMATION

https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/scholarship/phd-scholarship-neuroprosthesis-restoring-grasping-function-using-noninvasive-electrical-stimulation