PhD. Opportunities in IMaR

The IMaR Research Centre at IT Tralee are recruiting for 3 PhD. positions with full scholarship (full fees and an attractive stipend of €18,000 per annum) in the following areas; 3 X Mechanical / Electronic / Software Engineering, specifically autonomous industrial systems. 1 X Clinical Engineering / BioEngineering, specifically analysis and optimisation of the Total Hip Arthoplasty process. This research is funded by Science Foundation Ireland through Lero: The Irish Software Research Centre, in collaboration with the Bon Secours Hospital Group and Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. The closing date for applications for these positions is Friday June 1st 2018.

Autonomous Systems, Data Analytics and Machine Learning

PhD Position [4 Years]: 3 X Mechanical / Electronic Engineering The ideal candidate with have a Level 8 (Degree (Hons)) in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering or Software Development or Computer Science or Applied Physics (or a similar disciple). This project will investigate the development of autonomous systems that can monitor the surroundings of a machine to provide the reactive / preventative control actions, normally provided by the driver and will review the internal and external data available to an autonomous mobile robotic system, and undertake data analytics and apply machine learning techniques to check for correlations. The project will also involve the development of systems to support remote driving, such as vehicle tracking systems and video distribution systems for detection. Please submit CV or any questions to Joseph.Walsh@staff.ittralee.ie

Investigation of Bone Resonance as an Indicator of correct Seating during Hip Replacement Surgery

PhD Position [4 Years]: 1 X Clinical Engineering / Bioengineering The ideal candidate with have a Level 8 (Degree (Hons)) in a Clinical, Mechanical or Electronic Engineering or Physics (or a similar disciple), with an understanding of Biomechanical (or similar) systems and/or signal processing techniques. This project intends to investigate and develop a suitable method to objectively detect the correct reaming and seating of a hip joint in-vivo to ensure optimum results for a Total Hip Arthoplasty and minimise the patient’s hospital stay and avoid re-admittance due to problems arising from joint seating. Going forward, advancements in robotic technology will allow many surgical procedures to be undertaken by autonomous systems. A vital component of such a system for THA will be the correct detection of the correct interference fit between the reaming chisel / artificial joint and the out bone. This research project will seek to 1) establish whether audio (vibrational) resonances can be used as a guide to improve outcomes in hip replacement surgery, and 2) to develop the optimum means of analyzing such resonances to determine the moment of optimum seating of the new hip joint. Please submit CV or any questions to Daniel.Riordan@staff.ittralee.ie