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Three positions (1 Research assistant at Manchester Metropolitan University and 2 PhD scholarships at University of Birmingham and
University of Glasgow) are available for the project "Intermittent predictive control of man and machine".
The aim of this interdisciplinary, EPSRC funded, project which combines physiological experimentation and analysis with
engineering control methods, is to develop intermittent predictive control theory as a new paradigm for engineering and
physiological control. Human postural mechanisms can be explained by a continuous `PID' type of controller or as an intermittent
control process. If the intermittent predictive control paradigm is applicable, then natural postural balance is correctly
reinterpreted as centrally modulated, voluntary control like any other form of movement. Clarification of this issue will have
important implications for diverse healthcare topics including the rehabilitation of stroke or spinally injured patients who are
no longer able to stand and the diagnosis of risk factors in elderly patients with a history of falling. This project aims to
incorporate biological insights into the design of engineering controllers that mimic the real-time flexibility of the human
nervous system.
Research Assistantship (3 years) at the Institute for Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester
Metropolitan University (Dr. Ian Loram, http://www.irm.mmu.ac.uk/): This post will focus on visual and proprioceptively guided
mechanisms by which humans control unstable loads, including their own body with the aim to provide physiological evidence
discriminating intermittent open-loop from continuous feedback mechanisms in human balance. The successful candidate should have a
Ph.D. in integrative physiology, movement science, motor control, human balance or a related discipline with a sound background in
experimental techniques, data collection and analysis.
PhD scholarship (3 years) at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Birmingham (Dr. Martin Lakie,
http://www.sportex.bham.ac.uk/): This part of the project aims to provide physiological evidence of intermittent open loop control
of posture in general by studying the peripheral reflex mechanisms stimulated by rotation of the ankle joint and the
generalisation of intermittent control to stable loads. The successful candidate should have a 1st or upper 2nd class degree (or
equivalent) in physiology, neuroscience or a related discipline with experience in experimental physiology, data collection and
analysis.
PhD scholarship (3 years) at the Centre for Systems and Control (Prof. Peter Gawthrop) and the Centre for Rehabilitation
Engineering (Dr. Henrik Gollee, Prof. Ken Hunt, http://www.gla.ac.uk/cre) at the University of Glasgow: This part of the project
will focus on the theoretical response of the intermittent predictive controller. The practical procedures and theoretical basis
of a system identification methodology to distinguish intermittent open loop from continuous feedback control, will be developed
in simulation and experimental work involving computer control of an inverted pendulum. The results of this theoretical work will
form the basis for the development of the system models used for interpreting experimental results obtained with human subjects at
the partner institutions. The work will also inform the design of artificial feedback systems for control of balance in
paraplegia. The successful candidate should have a degree in control engineering (1st or upper 2nd class, or equivalent) or a
related discipline.
The successful applicants will work primarily at their home institution but are expected to collaborate closely together with the
partners from the other institutions. Since the project depends on flexible development of analysis using MATLAB, an essential
requirement for all successful applicants is an aptitude for, and interest in computer programming, as well as a sustained
interest in human motor control.
The project is funded by the EPSRC. The salary range for the research assistant is £29,865- £35,663 pa, while scholarships include
fees (at the home rate) and a maintenance allowance (currently £12,600pa, tax free). The posts are available from 15/1/2009.
Requests for further information and applications (including a full C.V.) should be addressed to
Dr. Ian Loram (i.loram@mmu.ac.uk),
Dr. Martin Lakie (m.d.lakie@bham.ac.uk) or
Dr. Henrik Gollee (h.gollee@eng.gla.ac.uk).
V. Baltzopoulos, PhD
Professor of Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health (IRM)
Faculty of Science and Engineering
The Manchester Metropolitan University
E309 John Dalton Building
Chester Street
Manchester M1 5GD, UK
Tel: (+44)(0) 161 2475491
Fax: (+44)(0) 161 2476375
Email: V.Baltzopoulos@mmu.ac.uk
www.irm.mmu.ac.uk/
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Before acting on this email or opening any attachments you should read the
Manchester Metropolitan University's email disclaimer available on its website
http://www.mmu.ac.uk/emaildisclaimer
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University of Glasgow) are available for the project "Intermittent predictive control of man and machine".
The aim of this interdisciplinary, EPSRC funded, project which combines physiological experimentation and analysis with
engineering control methods, is to develop intermittent predictive control theory as a new paradigm for engineering and
physiological control. Human postural mechanisms can be explained by a continuous `PID' type of controller or as an intermittent
control process. If the intermittent predictive control paradigm is applicable, then natural postural balance is correctly
reinterpreted as centrally modulated, voluntary control like any other form of movement. Clarification of this issue will have
important implications for diverse healthcare topics including the rehabilitation of stroke or spinally injured patients who are
no longer able to stand and the diagnosis of risk factors in elderly patients with a history of falling. This project aims to
incorporate biological insights into the design of engineering controllers that mimic the real-time flexibility of the human
nervous system.
Research Assistantship (3 years) at the Institute for Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester
Metropolitan University (Dr. Ian Loram, http://www.irm.mmu.ac.uk/): This post will focus on visual and proprioceptively guided
mechanisms by which humans control unstable loads, including their own body with the aim to provide physiological evidence
discriminating intermittent open-loop from continuous feedback mechanisms in human balance. The successful candidate should have a
Ph.D. in integrative physiology, movement science, motor control, human balance or a related discipline with a sound background in
experimental techniques, data collection and analysis.
PhD scholarship (3 years) at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Birmingham (Dr. Martin Lakie,
http://www.sportex.bham.ac.uk/): This part of the project aims to provide physiological evidence of intermittent open loop control
of posture in general by studying the peripheral reflex mechanisms stimulated by rotation of the ankle joint and the
generalisation of intermittent control to stable loads. The successful candidate should have a 1st or upper 2nd class degree (or
equivalent) in physiology, neuroscience or a related discipline with experience in experimental physiology, data collection and
analysis.
PhD scholarship (3 years) at the Centre for Systems and Control (Prof. Peter Gawthrop) and the Centre for Rehabilitation
Engineering (Dr. Henrik Gollee, Prof. Ken Hunt, http://www.gla.ac.uk/cre) at the University of Glasgow: This part of the project
will focus on the theoretical response of the intermittent predictive controller. The practical procedures and theoretical basis
of a system identification methodology to distinguish intermittent open loop from continuous feedback control, will be developed
in simulation and experimental work involving computer control of an inverted pendulum. The results of this theoretical work will
form the basis for the development of the system models used for interpreting experimental results obtained with human subjects at
the partner institutions. The work will also inform the design of artificial feedback systems for control of balance in
paraplegia. The successful candidate should have a degree in control engineering (1st or upper 2nd class, or equivalent) or a
related discipline.
The successful applicants will work primarily at their home institution but are expected to collaborate closely together with the
partners from the other institutions. Since the project depends on flexible development of analysis using MATLAB, an essential
requirement for all successful applicants is an aptitude for, and interest in computer programming, as well as a sustained
interest in human motor control.
The project is funded by the EPSRC. The salary range for the research assistant is £29,865- £35,663 pa, while scholarships include
fees (at the home rate) and a maintenance allowance (currently £12,600pa, tax free). The posts are available from 15/1/2009.
Requests for further information and applications (including a full C.V.) should be addressed to
Dr. Ian Loram (i.loram@mmu.ac.uk),
Dr. Martin Lakie (m.d.lakie@bham.ac.uk) or
Dr. Henrik Gollee (h.gollee@eng.gla.ac.uk).
V. Baltzopoulos, PhD
Professor of Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health (IRM)
Faculty of Science and Engineering
The Manchester Metropolitan University
E309 John Dalton Building
Chester Street
Manchester M1 5GD, UK
Tel: (+44)(0) 161 2475491
Fax: (+44)(0) 161 2476375
Email: V.Baltzopoulos@mmu.ac.uk
www.irm.mmu.ac.uk/
*******************************************
Before acting on this email or opening any attachments you should read the
Manchester Metropolitan University's email disclaimer available on its website
http://www.mmu.ac.uk/emaildisclaimer
*******************************************