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PhD Studentship in Biologically Inspired Robotics

A postgraduate researcher is required for an EC-funded project available immediately. The project concerns the development of neuronal models to control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) robot to perform stereotypical moth-like chemotaxis (chemical search) behaviour. The project will develop biologically-inspired sensor, information processing and control systems for a c(hemosensing) UAV. The cUAV will identify and track volatile compounds of different chemical composition in outdooor environments. Its olfactory and sensory-motor systems are to be inspired by the moth, which will be supported by computational neuroscience model development. This development continues our research in artificial and biological olfaction, sensory processing and analysis, neuronal models of learning, real-time behavioural control, and robotics. Further details on the project and the research teams can be found at http://www.le.ac.uk/eg/tcp1/amoth/

The project includes significant funding and opportunities for travel within Europe to visit the laboratories of the participating consortia (in Switzerland, France, and Sweden) and outside Europe to attend international scientific meetings. Applicants should have a strong analytical background, a keen interest in neuroscience, and a good honours degree (at the 2(i) level or higher) in engineering, mathematics or physics. The student will be responsible for development of the experimental set-up for assessing chemical search strategies applied to robots within unsteady laminar/turbulent flow - which will involve programming, simulation, and electronics development. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in one or more of the following, neuroscience, robotics, and/or artificial intelligence. Some experience of fluid dynamics would be an advantage. Good team skills are essential. The studentship includes a stipend of £12,000 per year for 3 years and includes full provision for academic fees. Both EU and non-EU nationals may apply.

PhD Studentship in Neuroengineering/Computational Neuroscience

A postgraduate research position is available on an EC-funded project immediately. The position is to support the EU Network of Excellence in Neuroinformatics - nEUro-IT (details of the network are under construction at www.cordis.lu/ist )

The project includes funding and opportunities for travel within Europe to visit educational establishments conducting research related to the interests of the network. Applicants should have a strong analytical background, an interest in neuroscience, and a good honours degree (at the 2(i) level or higher) in engineering, mathematics or physics. As part of their commitment to the Network of Excellence the student will be responsible for development of a database of educational material related to neuroinformatics and neuroengineering within Europe . In addition the student is expected to carry out research in any topic of their choice related to the research of the laboratory (see http://www.le.ac.uk/eg/tcp1/neurolab/.htm for details) that will be expected to lead to the award of a PhD. Good team skills are essential. The studentship includes a stipend of £12,000 per year for 3 years and includes full provision for academic fees. Both EU and non-EU nationals may apply.

The Engineering Department was rated 5A in the Research Assessment Exercise, 2001.
Initial enquiries and requests for details of the application process should be addressed to the EU Project Assistant, Mr. John Harrison, Department of Engineering, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom, +44 116 252 5384, jlh36@le.ac.uk

Both positions are available immediately - please indicate which position you are interested in when applying . Deadline for applications is 1st December, 2002 with an expected start date of January 2003.