PhD Studentship
Adaptive Optics of
the Vertebrate Eye
School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University
Department of Physics, National University of Ireland, Galway
A 3 year PhD studentship is available to study the adaptive optics of the eye.
The aim of this project is to understand more completely the optical and other properties of
the vertebrate eye. This position will enable you to gain experience in all aspects of
adaptive optics and ocular research, including both instrument design and comparative
biological analysis.
The project is jointly funded by Cardiff University and the National University of Ireland,
Galway. Initial adaptive optics instrument design for the research project (first year and a
half) will largely be carried out in Galway (supervised by Prof. Chris Dainty), followed by
ocular assessment investigations at Cardiff University (supervised by Dr. Jon Erichsen).
Therefore, this studentship offers an excellent opportunity to experience research
environments in optics and in vision science in two countries.
The Cardiff School of Optometry and Vision Sciences gained the top 5*A rating in the
2001 Research Assessment Exercise (see http://www.cf.ac.uk/optom/ ). The School is
home to a number of academics who are leaders in their respective fields, as well as to
extensive research facilities which are soon to be further improved by a move to a customdesigned building for the School. The Applied Optics Group at NUI Galway was founded
in 2002 (see http://optics.nuigalway.ie ) and is a leading centre worldwide for applications
of adaptive optics in vision, astronomy and other areas.
This PhD studentship is open to UK, Irish and other EU candidates who have or expect to
obtain at least a 2.i honours degree (or equivalent) in optometry, physics/optics, biology or
other related science subjects are encouraged to apply. The stipend will be at the MRC
rate at Cardiff and a competitive rate in Galway.
The PhD will be registered at Cardiff University.
Informal enquiries can be made to:
Dr. Jon Erichsen, E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 29 2087 5656
and/or
Prof. Chris Dainty, E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +353 91 512374
To apply, please send a copy of your CV and the names of two referees to:
School Manager, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University,
Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, UK
The closing date for applications is 31st August 2005