Fully Funded PhD in AI, Wearables, and Parkinson’s Research at Ulster University

Ulster University is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity as part of the PD-LIFE consortium, a new all-Ireland research initiative focused on transforming the monitoring, understanding, and support of Parkinson’s disease. This position is one of nine cross-border PhD posts funded by the Shared Island North–South Research Programme, providing a unique chance to work within a large, interdisciplinary team that includes universities, clinicians, technologists, and people living with Parkinson’s across Ireland. The research will center on the development and evaluation of AI-enabled wearable technologies for symptom detection and prediction in Parkinson’s disease. Key areas include multimodal data collection (such as movement, heart rate, GSR, and activity logs), machine learning models for digital biomarkers, and the human-centred design of personalized support tools. The project emphasizes real-world impact, with direct evaluation involving people with Parkinson’s. Successful candidates will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary cohort and benefit from cross-border supervision and training, as well as a funded one-year placement with a partner institution. The position offers full tuition coverage and a competitive annual stipend of £21,805 for three years. There are ample opportunities to publish, collaborate, and contribute to shaping a national research agenda in healthcare technology and AI. Applicants should have a strong background in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, or related fields. Curiosity, motivation, and a passion for impactful health research are essential, and experience with sensors, machine learning, or data analysis is a plus. This opportunity is ideal for those seeking to make a real-world difference through interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, wearable technology, and healthcare. To apply, follow the provided application link and prepare your materials according to Ulster University’s requirements. For further information, you may contact the supervisors or visit their academic profiles.