Connectionists: PhD position at ETH Zurich in vestibular neuroprosthesis project

[Jack Digiovanna]

[Introduction]

The vestibular system is responsible for the body’s “sixth sense” – it  
detects (along with vision and proprioception) spatial orientation and  
maintains body equilibrium. If the vestibular system is damaged,  
patients may experience dizziness, vertigo, or inability to stand up  
in severe cases.

[The CLONS project]

The CLONS project is developing a sensory prosthesis for patients with  
vestibular damage or disorders. It includes both animal and eventually  
human research. CLONS is funded by the EU under the 'Future and  
Emerging Technologies Open Scheme'. The PhD student position at ETH  
Zurich will include modeling, identification of neural dynamics,  
optimization of stimulation patterns to restore vestibular function,  
and design of control algorithms.

[What we ask]

Ideal applicants should have knowledge in one or several of the  
following subjects: neural engineering, machine learning,  
neuroscience, signal processing, or biomedical engineering.  
Experimental skills are also helpful. Applicant must be capable of  
both independent research and working within a team. Additionally, the  
applicant should be proficient in English.

[About the research partners]

Most research will be carried out in the Neuroprosthesis Control Group  
of the Automatic Control Laboratory at ETH Zurich. Additionally, there  
will likely be prosthetic testing at the Massachusetts Ear and Eye  
Infirmary of Harvard Medical School.

[To apply]

Interested candidates are asked to email their Curriculum Vitae, a  
list of courses taken and grades obtained, a statement of objectives  
and research interests (1-2 pages), and contact information of three  
references to digiovanna at control.ee.ethz.ch. Application deadline is  
December 4, 2009. Position available from January 2010.

----------------------------------------------
ETH Zurich
Jack DiGiovanna, Ph.D.
Neuroprosthesis Control Group
Automatic Control Laboratory

ETL K-24, Physikstrasse 3
8092 Zurich, SWITZERLAND

digiovanna at control.ee.ethz.ch
control.ee.ethz.ch


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