Research Associate
Intermittent Predictive Control of Man and Machine
Manchester Metropolitan University – Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement (IRM), Faculty of Science and Engineering
(Fixed term for 2.5 years)
Grade 8: £30,594 – £36,532 per annum
The aim of this interdisciplinary, EPSRC funded, project (“Intermittent Predictive Control of Man and Machine”) 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. You will focus on visual and proprioceptively guided mechanisms by which humans control unstable loads, including their own body with the aim to provide physiological/engineering psychology evidence discriminating intermittent open-loop from continuous feedback mechanisms in human balance. 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.
The successful candidate will 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. You will work primarily at MMU but will be expected to collaborate closely together with the partners from the other institutions (Universities of Birmingham and Glasgow). 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.
Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Ian Loram (
For more information and to apply online, visit If you do not have access to the internet or require an application in an alternative format please contact Human Resources on 0161 2476057 quoting reference number SN/086.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 26th November 2009.
Interviews will take place on Friday 18th December 2009.
MMU values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community
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Tags: 0161 2476057, Birmingham, Control theory, controller, Cybernetics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, GBP, Glasgow, healthcare topics, http://www.irm.mmu.ac.uk, http://www.jobs.mmu.ac.uk, Human Movement, i.loram@mmu.ac.uk, Ian Loram, Institute for Biomedical Research, Manchester Metropolitan University, Physiology, Research Associate, stroke
