Brain signal analysis and modelling for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) using machine learning

We are recruiting new Doctoral Researchers to our EPSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) PhD studentships starting 1 October 2024. Applications are invited for the project title Brain signal analysis and modelling for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) using machine learning

Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend (bursary) of £21,237, including inner London weighting, plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees for a period of 42 months (3.5 years).

You should be eligible for home (UK) tuition fees there are a very limited number (no more than three) of studentships available to overseas applicants, including EU nationals, who meet the academic entry criteria including English Language proficiency.

You will join the internationally recognised researchers in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering research and PhD programmes | Brunel University London

The Project

This PhD project will use machine learning and graph signal processing in order to analyse and model the signals that are captured using a grid of brain signal (EEG) sensors. Graph signal processing will allow the study of these signals by taking into account the locations of the respective sensors on the head and the underlying brain functions. This approach will enable the formulation of advanced brain models. The resultant brain models will be combined with machine learning techniques (deep neural networks) in order to develop intelligent systems that can interpret human thinking for the purpose of controlling devices or communicating non-verbally with the environment. Clinical applications will also be considered in collaborations with clinicians.

Please contact Dr Nikolaos Boulgouris at nikolaos.boulgouris@brunel.ac.uk for an informal discussion about the studentships.

Eligibility

Applicants will have or be expected to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree in an Engineering, Computer Science, Design, Mathematics, Physics or a similar discipline. A Postgraduate Masters degree is not required but may be an advantage.

Skills and Experience

Applicants will be required to demonstrate their knowledge of Signals & Systems and some knowledge of Signal Processing techniques. Programming skills are also desirable.

You should be highly motivated, able to work independently as well as in a team, collaborate with others and have good communication skills.

How to apply

There are two stages of the application:

1.Applicants must submit the pre-application form via the following link

https://brunel.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/epsrc-dtp-24-25-pre-application-form-brunel-university-lon

by 16.00 on Friday 5th April 2024.

2.If you are shortlisted for the interview, you will be asked to email the following documentation in a single PDF file to cedps-studentships@brunel.ac.uk within 72hrs.

Your up-to-date CV;
Your Undergraduate degree certificate(s) and transcript(s) essential;
Your Postgraduate Masters degree certificate(s) and transcript(s) if applicable;
Your valid English Language qualification of IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each section) or equivalent, if applicable;
Contact details for TWO referees, one of which can be an academic member of staff in the College.

Applicants should therefore ensure that they have all of this information in case they are shortlisted.

Interviews will take place in April/May 2024.

Related Research Group(s)

Electronic Systems - Investigating processes and mechanisms found in nature to inspire alternative approaches to the design and implementation of intelligent electronic systems.