PhD Studentship: Wearable Cerebral Blood Flow Monitoring Using Speckle Contrast Optical Tomography (SCOT) in the Infant Brain

Supervisory Team: Ernesto Vidal-Rosas

Project description:

Cerebral injuries are the leading cause of neonatal mortality & life-long morbidities. The conditions that lead to brain injury include hypoxia-ischemia, stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, and preterm birth and monitoring cerebral blood flow (CBF) plays a leading role in diagnosing cerebral injury.

The research project aims to apply an innovative technique called speckle contrast optical tomography (SCOT) with the potential to provide 3D images of cerebral blood flow in the infant brain.

The main objectives are:

1. To develop a small wearable cerebral blood flow monitor optimised for the infant brain
2. To measure flow in-vitro using tissue-like materials & blood flow in-vivo (adult arm)
3. To demonstrate the ability to measure cerebral blood flow in healthy infants & confirmed by Laser Doppler Ultrasound

The experience in developing this system will set the stage for further testing in term- and, ultimately, preterm infants. The immediate benefit is the availability of a wearable cerebral monitor that can further the study of cognitive development in older infants. In the long term, it can potentially reduce the number of preterm deaths and improve the management & outcome of those infants at risk of cerebral injury. The project will generate intellectual property and, potentially, lead to commercialisation.

Person specifications:

• Master degree in electrical or electronic engineering, machine learning, medical physics or neuroscience.
• Knowledge of electronics is essential.
• Strong programming skills (MATLAB is essential) & Phyton (TensorFlow library, desirable).
• Previous biomedical signal processing experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills &  ability to work independently.

About Dr Vidal-Rosas:

Dr Vidal-Rosas is a Lecturer at the School of Electronics & Computer Science, University of Southampton. Before joining Southampton, he was a Postdoc at the UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Department. He has extensive experience in neuroimaging methods & diffuse optical imaging including: near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), diffuse optical tomography (DOT), diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS), speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) & tomography (SCOT).

How to apply: 

Please ensure that you include Dr. Vidal-Rosas’s name as supervisor and the project title in your application. Please enclose the following documents:

• A one-page statement outlining suitability for the project.
• A two pages CV (including any publications and contact details of two referees).
• A research proposal describing how you would tackle this problem.

After discussing the project with Dr Vidal-Rosas, eligible applicants should also submit a formal PhD application via the Southampton website, by clicking the Apply button, above. The supervisory team will arrange interviews for short-listed candidates.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply onlineby clicking the 'Apply' button, above. Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Computer Science (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Ernesto Vidal-Rosas.

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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