Background
The Insight Centre for Data Analytics (http://www.Insight-centre.org) is an SFI funded
Research Centre which brings together researchers from University College Dublin, NUI
Galway, University College Cork, and Dublin City University, as well as other partner
institutions, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University of Limerick (UL), National
University of Ireland, Maynooth (MU) and Tyndall National Institute. It creates a critical
mass of more than 400 researchers from Ireland’s leading ICT clusters to carry out research
on a new generation of data analytics technologies in a number of key application domain
areas, such as Health and Human Performance, Smart Communities, Internet of Things,
Enterprise and Services and Sustainability and Operations.
The €150m Centre is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and a wide range of industry
and European Union partners. Insight’s research focus encompasses a broad range of data
analytics technologies from machine learning, decision analytics and social network
analysis to linked data, recommender systems and the sensor web. Together, with more than
220 partner companies, Insight researchers are solving critical challenges in the areas of
Connected Health and the Discovery Economy.

The PhD Opportunity
This PhD project is cofounded by an industry partner and is part of the SFI-funded Blended
Autonomous Vehicle project which brings together leading academic researchers and
companies interested in next generation vehicles. In particular, within the larger scope of this
research programme we seek a PhD researcher to investigate how non-invasive measurement
of brain activity and related signals can be used to monitor driver attention and engagement
during driving-related tasks as applied to blended control of cars capable of self-driving
operation. This is a multidisciplinary project which involves signal processing, experimental
design, machine learning and nested artificial intelligence systems. The project is otherwise
open in scope and motivated students have an opportunity to shape the research direction to
reflect emerging interests and topics in neural interfacing and robotic systems generally.

Eligibility:
BSc or M Sc Degree in Electronic/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or
other relevant technical discipline
English language requirements for non-native speakers of English is available here:
https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Essential Skills:
● Strong mathematical and programming skills (any language)

Desirable skills:
● Signal processing
● Hacking and prototyping skills

Training:
The successful candidate will be required to undertake the following training:
● Orientation
● Health & Safety
● Data Protection (GDPR)
● Other training may need to be undertaken when required

Stipend:
This is a 4 year fully funded structured PhD position. Students will have their fees paid and
will be given a tax-free stipend of €18,500 per year. Opportunities for additional income can
be supported through teaching assistance and similar.

Application Process
Informal enquiries about this position are strongly encouraged and can be made to:
tomas.ward@dcu.ie

All expressions of interest, to include (in pdf format):
1. 1 page cover letter detailing relevant experience (please check the list of essential and
desirable skills in preparing this letter)
2. CV
3. BSc/BEng or MSc thesis
To be submitted by email to Professor Tomas Ward tomas.ward@dcu.ie When applying
please use the following email subject line: PhD position, Neurotechnology for the Blended
Control of Autonomous Vehicles

Interviews will be carried out in January 2021

Application End Date: Friday 8th January 2021

Start Date: The position commences in early 2021 or when a suitably qualified candidate
becomes available.