Doctoral Student

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position in the project NeuroNose (2024-2028). The goal of the project is the development a non-invasive, contactless screening technology for neurodegenerative disease, with a particular focus on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

This interdisciplinary project combines machine learning, smell sensor technology, and biomarker research to create an innovative electronic nose proof of concept. This system will analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human breath — a part of the human volatilome — to detect disease-specific patterns using sensor chips, mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry, and advanced machine learning.

Two other PhD students (one medical student and one physics student will be working on this project).

• Develop and optimize machine learning models for pattern recognition and disease classification.
• Integrate sensor data and mass spectrometry outputs into robust diagnostic pipelines.
• Collaborate with other experts on this project.
• Laboratory work with mass-spectrometer (supported and guided by the experts at the Institute of Physics).

• Master’s degree in computer science, physics, data science or biomedical engineering.
• Strong background in machine learning and/or signal processing.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar ML environments.
• Interest in machine learning, physics and medical applications.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment.

• A supportive multi-disciplinary environment with access to laboratories and computational power.
• Opportunities for publication, conference participation, and industry collaboration.
• Supervision from leading researchers. Two supervisors from computer science faculty and two from physics will be supporting your journey: Anna Aljanaki and Kallol Roy (Applied machine learning), Raivo Jaaniso and Heikki Junninen (Physics).

To Apply:

In order to apply, for the candidates from Estonia or with a masters degree from Estonian university, use the following link:

https://sais.ee/AdmissionSearch/View/17320

For international candidates, use the following link:

https://estonia.dreamapply.com/et_EE/courses/course/1189-phd-mathematics-and-computer-science-specialisation-computer-science

You will need to write a brief motivation letter (in English, maximum of 6000 characters with spaces) based on the following points:

1. Why are you interested in this PhD project, explain your choice.

2. What is your previous experience in this field? Explain how your educational and professional background relates to the project you are applying to.

3. What are the analytical/scientific methods you have practiced.

4. Describe briefly the methods and main results of your MSc thesis.

5. Decribe your earlier research activities, including research publications and conference presentations, if available.

Assessment criteria for motivation letter:

- motivation and argumentation of skills and the choice of the project

- relevant study and work experience and other relevant activities (publications, project management etc.) as required to present in the motivation letter.

Interview

The applicant must describe the wider scientific background of the doctoral project and possible applicability of the results, also their motivation to be admitted to PhD studies with particular project. The admissions interview is conducted by the admissions committee. Only applicants whose motivation letter is assessed positively will be invited to the interview (minimum positive result is 35 points out of 50).

The entrance interview is used to assess the following:

- knowledge of the wider scientific background of the project and possible application of the expected results

- applicant’s motivation to pursue doctoral studies in the relevant field of science and to work in this field

- wider analytical and generalization skills regarding the research and study topics.

The entrance interview takes place most probably in June 2025.

International applicants who cannot be present at the interview in Tartu, may conduct an online interview. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.