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UCL - Aspire Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
Research Associate or Senior Research Associate
Job reference: 1621191 on the UCL recruitment website
Main purpose
Robovox is a large multi-disciplinary project funded by the Wellcome Trust, aimed at producing an artificial larynx. Our team will oversee the development of the control system, from decoding the user's intention through analysis of EMG of muscles in the throat and chest, to the development of a control algorithm and implementation of the system.
The appointed person will be part of a team led by Dr Anne Vanhoestenberghe, and will work very closely with Dr James Graveston. The work will take place in several locations across the UCL campuses. The researcher’s office will be within the Aspire CREATe research lab (RNOH campus, Stanmore, HA7 4LP), while team meetings will take place either at the Principal Investigator’s office at the Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital (Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8DA) or on the Bloomsbury campus (WC1E 6BT).
The post holder will be responsible for the following tasks:
In collaboration with the rest of the team, the post holder will also assist with the development of the hardware and software for the EMG detection system, and contribute to the preparation of quarterly reports and delivery of ad hoc presentations.
All tasks are to be accompanied with the production of technical reports detailing the work done. The process of documenting and tracking versions and changes is particularly critical as we are developing a medical device.
Candidates are advised to read this paper, that illustrates one aspect of the development of an artificial larynx: Ahmadi, F., Ribeiro, M.A. and Halaki, M. (2014). Surface electromyography of neck strap muscles for estimating the intended pitch of a bionic voice source. In 2014 IEEE Biomedical Circuits and Systems Conference (BioCAS) Proceedings (pp. 37-40). IEEE. DOI:10.1109/BioCAS.2014.6981639
Duties and responsibilities
The duties of the post outlined above are not exhaustive, and the post holder will be expected to be co-operative and flexible, undertaking such other duties as may from time to time be reasonably expected of a member of the university, as requested by the Head of Centre, and Divisional Director. These duties will be subject to review in line with the changing requirements of the Centre, Division or College, and with the development needs of the post holder as identified through regular review/appraisal processes.
The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the College’s equal opportunities policy.
Person Specification
All specifications marked desirable are just that. They are not essential and your application will be considered if you do not possess these attributes if you can make a good case for your strengths within the context of this project, and how they would enable you to perform the tasks listed in the job description.
Recruitment Schedule
Closing date for applications: 8th Feb 2017 (there is a minor possibility that this date may be extended at short notice, please consult the online job offer for the most up to date information).
Interviews: February 2017.
Interviews may be done using skype if you are unable to come to UCL.
Start date: 1st March 2017
This date is flexible.
To apply: job reference 1621191 on the UCL recruitment website. If you have any questions, email Anne Vanhoestenberghe (a.vanhoest@ucl.ac.uk) or James Graveston (j.graveston@ucl.ac.uk).
Background Information
The UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science is part of one of the most prestigious medical schools in Europe, with a team of approximately 300 people, from surgeons and oncologists to clinical trials specialists and researchers. We cover three campus spread across London. Our aim is to understand the causes of human disease and develop innovative therapies and technology to improve the quality of life of the people around us.
The Institute of Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Science (IOMS) is based on the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital (RNOH) site in Stanmore. The activities of the IOMS are mainly research based. The IOMS has an international reputation for translational research in orthopaedics, has used its scientific base to develop implant and treatment strategies for complex orthopaedic conditions, and is aligned with the interests of the RNOHT Research and Development Centres. Research themes cross the disciplines of the centres, such as osteoporosis, bone tumour biology, joint replacement, tissue engineering, performance/ rehabilitation, peripheral nerve and spinal injury.
Aspire Create, the Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology, is an exciting new joint research venture between the Aspire Charity, University College London and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. The centre was established at the beginning of 2014 to develop translational research to improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Currently, it houses five academics (Dr Tom Carlson, Dr Lynsey Duffell, Dr Rui Loureiro, Dr Steve Taylor and Dr Anne Vanhoestenberghe), along with their researchers. This rapidly growing centre investigates techniques that are applicable and transferable between different domains in related areas of interest, including, but not limited to stroke, muscular dystrophy, amputation, the ageing population and training of specialised skills (e.g. surgical).
Full UCL terms and conditions for Research and support staff http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/salary_scales/Support_Research_tcs.php
Research Associate or Senior Research Associate
| Unit | Aspire Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology, Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science |
| Grade | Grade 7 to 8 (see UCL’s salary scale) |
| Salary (inclusive of London allowance) | £34.000 to £43.500 per annum depending on skills and experience |
| Reporting to | Dr Anne Vanhoestenberghe |
| Duration | The post is available from March 2017 (this date is flexible) and is funded for 36 months full-time. |
| Hours of work | 36.5 hours per week |
| Annual leave | 27 days |
| Probation period | 3 months |
Main purpose
Robovox is a large multi-disciplinary project funded by the Wellcome Trust, aimed at producing an artificial larynx. Our team will oversee the development of the control system, from decoding the user's intention through analysis of EMG of muscles in the throat and chest, to the development of a control algorithm and implementation of the system.
The appointed person will be part of a team led by Dr Anne Vanhoestenberghe, and will work very closely with Dr James Graveston. The work will take place in several locations across the UCL campuses. The researcher’s office will be within the Aspire CREATe research lab (RNOH campus, Stanmore, HA7 4LP), while team meetings will take place either at the Principal Investigator’s office at the Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital (Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8DA) or on the Bloomsbury campus (WC1E 6BT).
The post holder will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Assisting Dr Graveston with data collection, working with patients.
- Developing the control strategy in collaboration with the team
- Developing and testing software in collaboration with the team
- Producing a complete prototype of an EMG detection system implementing the control strategy
- Designing and producing a fully implantable version of the EMG detection system.
In collaboration with the rest of the team, the post holder will also assist with the development of the hardware and software for the EMG detection system, and contribute to the preparation of quarterly reports and delivery of ad hoc presentations.
All tasks are to be accompanied with the production of technical reports detailing the work done. The process of documenting and tracking versions and changes is particularly critical as we are developing a medical device.
Candidates are advised to read this paper, that illustrates one aspect of the development of an artificial larynx: Ahmadi, F., Ribeiro, M.A. and Halaki, M. (2014). Surface electromyography of neck strap muscles for estimating the intended pitch of a bionic voice source. In 2014 IEEE Biomedical Circuits and Systems Conference (BioCAS) Proceedings (pp. 37-40). IEEE. DOI:10.1109/BioCAS.2014.6981639
Duties and responsibilities
- To undertake the development as stated in the main purpose.
- To contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to appropriate peer reviewed journals.
- To contribute to the overall activities of the research team as required.
- To carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager.
- To actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities and Race Equality policies.
- To maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health & Safety Regulations.
- As duties and responsibilities change, the job description may be reviewed and amended in consultation with the postholder.
The duties of the post outlined above are not exhaustive, and the post holder will be expected to be co-operative and flexible, undertaking such other duties as may from time to time be reasonably expected of a member of the university, as requested by the Head of Centre, and Divisional Director. These duties will be subject to review in line with the changing requirements of the Centre, Division or College, and with the development needs of the post holder as identified through regular review/appraisal processes.
The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the College’s equal opportunities policy.
Person Specification
All specifications marked desirable are just that. They are not essential and your application will be considered if you do not possess these attributes if you can make a good case for your strengths within the context of this project, and how they would enable you to perform the tasks listed in the job description.
| Criteria |
Essential |
Desirable |
| Qualifications |
A degree in electronics engineering, or equivalent experience. | A post-graduate degree, or equivalent experience (we will consider candidates who do not hold a PhD), to demonstrate your ability to undertake research work independently. |
| Skills | Strong data acquisition and analysis skills. Practical skills in engineering, the candidate will be expected to demonstrate something (kit or software) they designed and implemented, and discuss the design and test phases. Team work skills will be very important to the success of this project. You will be expected to work as part of a team whose members (postdoctoral researcher, line manager, project lead) do not work in the same place, so excellent communication skills are required. This is difficult to demonstrate, but please be prepared to discuss this and explain why you see this as one of your strength. |
Technical writing and presentation skills, sufficient to write device specifications and produce technical documents unaided. Ability to specify a system from discussion with the team, and development of a test protocol to verify that the specifications are met. Being capable of procuring parts and equipment, identifying sources online, or specifying needs for subcontractors. |
| Experience/Knowledge |
Coding/programming experience in the context of data acquisition and analysis, to be demonstrated by showing an example of previous work. Knowledge of control theory and statistics. Knowledge of micro-electronics, especially working with small signals in poor signal to noise ratio conditions. The candidate will be asked to demonstrate this by discussing a practical example based on the project. |
Knowledge of version control for software development. Knowledge of the legal requirements for the development of Medical Devices, in particular control software and Active Implantable Medical Devices. Knowledge of micro-electronics pertaining to the acquisition of physiological signals and wireless communication such as Bluetooth or Zigbee, as well as an awareness of coil-to-coil radio frequency communication, used for one to one close range data and power transfer in implantable devices. Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, especially of the throat and neck area. Evidence of technical writing, to be demonstrated by showing the panel a technical report on a novel piece of hardware or software developed by you (whether alone or as part of a team). Demonstrable experience of electronic circuit design and assembly (PCB design, soldering, packaging). |
| Aptitude |
A constructive approach to collaboration and responsibilities as part of a team. An ability to complete projects (ie, deliver a finished, working, product, fully documented for seamless handover). Self motivated Showing flexibility and ability to review goals as the project evolves. |
An understanding of the academic research environment, including the funding process and the need to publish results. A willingness to write papers collaboratively and present results at conferences if required (we understand that personal circumstances may prevent you from travelling, and will accommodate for this). |
Recruitment Schedule
Closing date for applications: 8th Feb 2017 (there is a minor possibility that this date may be extended at short notice, please consult the online job offer for the most up to date information).
Interviews: February 2017.
Interviews may be done using skype if you are unable to come to UCL.
Start date: 1st March 2017
This date is flexible.
To apply: job reference 1621191 on the UCL recruitment website. If you have any questions, email Anne Vanhoestenberghe (a.vanhoest@ucl.ac.uk) or James Graveston (j.graveston@ucl.ac.uk).
Background Information
The UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science is part of one of the most prestigious medical schools in Europe, with a team of approximately 300 people, from surgeons and oncologists to clinical trials specialists and researchers. We cover three campus spread across London. Our aim is to understand the causes of human disease and develop innovative therapies and technology to improve the quality of life of the people around us.
The Institute of Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Science (IOMS) is based on the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital (RNOH) site in Stanmore. The activities of the IOMS are mainly research based. The IOMS has an international reputation for translational research in orthopaedics, has used its scientific base to develop implant and treatment strategies for complex orthopaedic conditions, and is aligned with the interests of the RNOHT Research and Development Centres. Research themes cross the disciplines of the centres, such as osteoporosis, bone tumour biology, joint replacement, tissue engineering, performance/ rehabilitation, peripheral nerve and spinal injury.
Aspire Create, the Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology, is an exciting new joint research venture between the Aspire Charity, University College London and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. The centre was established at the beginning of 2014 to develop translational research to improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Currently, it houses five academics (Dr Tom Carlson, Dr Lynsey Duffell, Dr Rui Loureiro, Dr Steve Taylor and Dr Anne Vanhoestenberghe), along with their researchers. This rapidly growing centre investigates techniques that are applicable and transferable between different domains in related areas of interest, including, but not limited to stroke, muscular dystrophy, amputation, the ageing population and training of specialised skills (e.g. surgical).
Full UCL terms and conditions for Research and support staff http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/salary_scales/Support_Research_tcs.php
UCL Taking Action for Equality