Call for PhD Applications and Research Assistants in Robotics and Mechatronics at VinUniversity and University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC)
The VinUni-Illinois Smart Health Center (VISHC) at VinUniversity is looking for three motivated Ph.D. students and two research assistants to work on “Accelerating Patient Rehabilitation via Wearable Filament Sensor Networks” project.
Project summary:
In the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, biofeedback is a valuable tool, aiding in the recovery of individuals with joint injuries. Biofeedback systems improve rehabilitation by boosting motivation and precision and they provide real-time feedback on exercise performance, enabling self-assessment and progress. Conventional physiotherapy programs often entail high costs and resource allocation. As a cost-effective alternative, self-administered training systems allow patients to continue their rehabilitation at home, though this shift presents challenges related to potential human errors. Recent developments include textile solutions with integrated sensors for comfortable and efficient wear.
This project introduces a low-cost hydraulic soft filament sensor (SFS) integrated into a flexible brace, aimed at monitoring joint angles and guiding users through rehabilitation via a video interface. It incorporates an intelligent calibration technique leveraging a neural network (NN) model, wireless technology, onboard signal processing, a smartphone app, and assessment algorithms using machine-learning models tailored for knee and elbow injuries. This advancement improves the interaction between humans and machines during rehabilitation. Human-subject experiments at Vinmec Times City International Hospital will validate the system’s effectiveness, marking a pioneering effort in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Vinmec and Vinuniversity.
Training program:
Selected candidates will work towards their PhD degree, which will be granted by either VinUni or UIUC. They will be co-advised by faculty from both universities, including Dr. Mai Thanh Thai, Dr. Van Dinh Nguyen, Prof. Elizabeth T. Hsiao-Wecksler, Prof. Girish Krishnan, and Dr. Phuong Cao. As part of their PhD studies, UIUC PhD students will spend 2 out of their 5 years at VinUni, while VinUni PhD students will spend 2 out of their 5 years at UIUC to complete a master’s degree. PhD students are expected to publish a sufficient number of papers in top peer-reviewed journals and conferences, meeting the standards of world-class universities.
Qualifications:
– This project is open to Vietnamese students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Ideal candidates will have a strong academic record, with a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
– Expertise in areas such as robotics, mechanical design, electrical engineering, machine learning, sensors, or signal processing is highly desirable. We seek highly motivated individuals who demonstrate independence, a strong sense of personal responsibility, excellent communication, and teamwork skills.
– Applicants must meet English language requirements, with an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or above (or equivalent).
What we offer:
This program will cover all tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, round-trip airfare, and related expenses for VISHC PhD students. The financial support for VISHC PhD students, while they are at UIUC, is provided by the Vingroup Scholarship Program for Overseas Study for Master’s and Doctoral Degrees. VISHC PhD students will receive a stipend of 10,000 USD/year when they study at VinUni and 25,000 USD/year when they study at UIUC.
Application:
Please send your application, including your CV, a list of publications, a summary of your research, BSc and MSc transcripts, and any English proficiency proofs, to Dr. Thai Mai Thanh at <thanh.tm2@vinuni.edu.vn>.
Deadline: November 30th, 2024