Robotics for Ophthalmic Surgery (2 positions)

4 year funded PhD studentship in Robotics for Ophthalmic Surgery. 2 positions (Saudi Arabia Cultural Office Programme) Application deadline 1st November 2021.

Deadline extended to January 31 2022

Primary Supervisor: Dr Agostino Stilli
Clinical Supervisor: Professor Riaz Asaria

We are offering up to 2 PhD positions to develop a novel surgical robotic platform for the following applications: 

• Robotic-assisted eye surgery for anterior segment – e.g. Cataract surgery 
• Robotic-assisted eye surgery for posterior segment – e.g. Vitrectomy, retinal surgery 

The focus of the PhD will be on the development and validation of a novel surgical system for anterior and posterior eye surgery with the aim of making these procedures more accessible, especially to low income countries. The successful candidates will join the UCL CDT in Intelligent, Integrated Imaging in Healthcare (i4health) cohort and benefit from the activities and events organised by the centre.

Academic Requirements

The award of any of the following from a recognized institution: 

• Bachelor's degree with a final overall average grade of 85%, CGPA of 4.5/5.0 or B+ 
• Bachelor's degree from the Arab Open University with a final CGPA of 3.3/4.0 
• The student must also have specific technical competences in either Robotics or AI/Computer Vision

Mechanical Engineering or equivalent degree in Robotics or Mechatronics 

• Experience in 3D design and/or modelling and control of complex mechatronics systems (e. g. through BSc and MSc projects). 
• Good programming skills (python preferred) and knowledge of CAD and FEM softwares (e.g. Solidworks). 
• Motivated for long-term research. 

English speaking and writing proficiency. 
Fulfill all entry requirements for Medical Physics and Bioengineering PhD programme 

ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATIONS 
Master's degree; Doctorate 

English Language Requirements

Applicant must verify one of the following: 

• Completed a minimum of 12 months academic education leading to an awarded qualification, in a country that UCL considers to be 'majority English speaking' ⁽*⁾, no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment (or the summer two years prior to enrolment if starting in September) 

• Completed a minimum of 18 months of work experience in a country that UCL considers to be 'majority English speaking' ⁽*⁾, no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment 
• Recently obtained acceptable English language qualification or test result ⁽*⁾. The qualification or test result must have been awarded no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment. 

⁽*⁾A list of accepted English language qualifications and countries considered to be 'majority English speaking' can be found here. 

How to apply:
Please complete the following steps to apply.

•    Send an expression of interest and current CV to Dr Agostino Stilli a.stilli@ucl.ac.uk and cdtadmin@ucl.ac.uk. Please use the subject title: Project Code 21002
•    Make a formal application to via the UCL application portal https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply . Please select the programme code Medical Imaging TMRMEISING01 and enter        Robotics for Ophthalmic Surgery Project Code 21002 under ‘Name of Award 1’ 

Please note: The application portal will open from 18th October 2021

If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview.

Deadline 1st November 2021