As a member of the ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies, Western Sydney University (WSU) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to develop novel hardware for epileptic seizure prediction. The outcome will be a system that provides estimates of the likelihood that a person will or will not have a seizure during a relevant forecasting time horizon and that can run on low-power, portable hardware. Artificial neural networks have demonstrated superior performance in seizure forecasting. The project will build upon our work in convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and other approaches to develop low-power implementations using neuromorphic hardware.
The project will be hosted at the International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) at WSU and supervised by its director, Prof André van Schaik, and co-supervised by the stream leader, Prof David Grayden at the University of Melbourne. The candidate is required to undertake a minimum of one year industry experience at IBM or other relevant industry partner. The 12 months do not have to be undertaken in a single period. There is also the potential for a third co-supervisor from the industry partner.
The ICNS is a centre within the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development. The Centre is explicitly interdisciplinary, by combining electrical engineering, computer science, signal processing, and neuroscience. ICNS’s focus is on developing Neuromorphic Engineering solutions to existing problems. It is Australia’s leading Neuromorphic Engineering research laboratory, an emerging field developing the next generation of smart technology using inspiration from biology.
The ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies is aimed at creating a workforce that is expert in developing, applying and interrogating artificial intelligence (“AI”) applications in data-intensive medical contexts, to facilitate the next generation of data-driven and machine learning-based medical technologies. The Centre provides a world-class industry-driven research training environment for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, who will lead the medical technology industry into a new era of data-driven personalised and precision medical devices and applications, based on a combination of research, industry and entrepreneurial skills they will acquire. Students will be co-supervised by university-based academics and are required to work for a minimum of 12 months with IBM or other industry researchers.
Eligibility
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key Neuromorphic Approaches to Epilepsy Seizure Prediction. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in electrical engineering, computer science, signal processing, neuroscience and AI applications in data-intensive medical contexts, to facilitate the next generation of data-driven and machine learning-based medical technologies.
The successful applicant should:
- hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) a Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to electrical engineering, computer science, signal processing, and neuroscience and have an understanding of the importance of AI applications in data-intensive medical contexts, to facilitate the next generation of data-driven and machine learning-based medical technologies.
- spend a minimum of 12 months at IBM or industry partner. This does not need to be taken over consecutive months – it can be spread out over the enrolment period.
- not hold a degree of the same, or higher level, as the proposed candidature.
- reside in Australia for the duration of their studies, except for periods of approved overseas study leave.
- not receive income from another source to support general living costs while undertaking the program, if that income is greater than 75% of the stipend rate.*
- be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
* The 75% rule referenced above does not apply to: a) income earned from sources unrelated to the research or b) income related to the research but not for the purpose of supporting general living costs.International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
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Benefits
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $31,828(AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $31,828(AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by MARCS.
International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC)(opens in new window)!Opens in a new window insurance policy for the duration their study in Australia. This cost is not covered by the scholarship.
Application
Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship page.