University College Cork are offering 2 INFANT Research Centre / School of Mathematical Sciences PhD Scholarship Opportunities to work on a project Nonlinear Dynamics and Critical Transitions in the Neonatal Brain.
This project focuses on mathematical modelling of nonlinear dynamics and instabilities in the neonatal brain, with particular attention to the link between the neonatal brain activity, sleep/wake cycle, and the developing cardiovascular system. This complex system is not well understood at present and there are no suitable models that fully explain the observed data. Therefore, in this work, we will use data-based machine learning techniques to infer casual dependence between different parts of the neonatal brain, changes in the sleep/wake patterns, and the developing cardiovascular system. Furthermore, we will use mathematical models of neuron bursters to determine the underlying differential equation models, and analyse these differential equations using modern tools from theory of critical transitions (tipping points).
It is hoped that this work will provide a better understanding of the nonlinear interactions between key physiological signals (EEG, ECG, blood pressure, sleep/wake cycle, etc.) for the neonatal brain with particular focus on the direction/causality of these interactions. In clinical practice, for example, there is a need for better understanding of triggers of seizures and the consequences of low-pressure episodes on neonatal brain function. It is expected to develop mathematical and machine learning tools to identify generic seizure instabilities in the neonatal brain, assist clinicians in foreseeing and preventing seizures in the neonatal brain, in the treatment of low blood pressure in the neonatal brain, and to better monitor the “hemodynamic health” of the neonatal brain.
Requirements: Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Upper Second Class Honours) in an appropriate discipline (e.g. a Mathematics, Physics or Engineering degree with advanced coverage of Mathematics, or other relevant degree).
If English is not your first language you will need to satisfy the English language requirement:
IELTS: 6.5 – with no individual section lower than 6.0
TOEFL: 90 – with minimum scores as follows: Listening – 20; Reading – 19; Speaking – 21; Writing – 20
Scholarship Details
The PhD Scholarship is funded by Science Foundation Ireland as part of the Frontiers for the Future programme. The project titled “Model based decision support for newborn brain protection” is transdisciplinary in nature, with engineering, medical and applied mathematics contributions. This project is being carried out by the Infant Research Centre (www.infantcentre.ie). The successful candidate will be working under the supervision of Prof Sebastian Wieczorek within the School of Mathematical Sciences, and will be expected to collaborate with the project members from the Schools of Engineering and Medicine. The scholarship will start as soon as possible after August 30th 2021.
The scholarship funding includes a stipend of €18,500 per annum and also covers University fees of up to a maximum of €5,500 per annum and is tenable for 4 years.
For further particulars on these studentships please refer to: https://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/vacancies/research/full-details-1273777-en.html
Submit an electronic copy of your Curriculum Vitae along with a cover letter that clearly describes why you are interested in and are suitable for this research position. Please include the contact details of two referees. These documents should be emailed to Prof. Sebastian Wieczorek (sebastian.wieczorek@ucc.ie).
The successful scholarship awardee will then have to submit a formal application through the University Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) (www.pacapply.com) where qualifications will need to be validated.
Closing date for applications: 1st March 2021.
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