PhD Studentship: High-bandwidth Implantable Brain Processing: From Theory to Practice

PhD Supervisor: Majid Zamani

Supervisory Team: Dr Majid Zamani

Project description:

I am looking for a talented and motivated PhD student to work on high-bandwidth implantable brain processing techniques (i.e. >1000 recording channels using Utah Arrays) for future generation implantable brain machine interfaces (iBMIs). The key challenge with high-bandwidth intracortical processing is associated with the overall computation cost, which demands a paradigm shift from conventional brain data processing approaches. 

The project has the following three objectives:

1. To design low-cost and highly reliable deep learning architectures suitable for real time and on-chip spike sorting.
2. To develop an on-chip processor integrable into the sensing module for real time behavioural decoding of different regions of the brain.
3. To validate the algorithms (simulation and fabricated) using the recorded and resynthesized in-vivo test data.

The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and collaborate with a strong multidisciplinary team of academics at University of Southampton and experts from University College London. 

Person specifications:

• Master degree in machine learning, electronics engineering or neuroscience.
• Knowledge of deep learning architectures (such as CNN, LSTM, AE, GAN) is essential.
• Strong programming skills (MATLAB, Phyton) is essential.
• Previous experience on biomedical signal processing and classification.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to work independently.

About Dr Zamani:

Dr Zamani is a lecturer at the School of Electronics & Computer Science, University of Southampton. Before joining Southampton, he was a Postdoc at the UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering. He has extensive experience in design and fabrication of novel designs in low-power and real-time processors for iBMI in different CMOS technologies.

How to apply: 

Please ensure that you include Dr. Zamani’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 Zamani, 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 online, by 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: Majid Zamani

Applications should include:

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

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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