Information and decision theory in biosensing and diagnostics

Apply to pursue a PhD in the Optical Theory Group, led by Matthew Foreman, where you will explore information theoretic aspects of digital biomolecular assays and optimal diagnostic design. Located at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, this opportunity offers a unique and exciting environment for your research journey.

Digital molecular assays aim to detect, identify, and quantify different molecular species in a massively parallel manner. They therefore rely on the ability to execute potentially millions of single molecule assays, each of which can be read out individually. Optical imaging offers a natural, fast and inherently digitised readout whereby ultimately each individual pixel could correspond to readout of different molecular assays. Imaging quality is often of secondary importance in digital molecular analytics, where the task focuses more on binary detection, identification of individual molecular species or disease diagnosis. In such scenarios an informatic approach, whereby an imaging assay is considered as a channel through which information is transmitted and extracted computationally, is more appropriate. This project will analyze different optical assays and detection protocols from an information standpoint. Information of disease progression and biological function obtained from different assay types will be quantified and the advantages of the digital detection paradigm investigated. This project will also draw ideas from estimation, classification and detection theory and apply them in the digital assay and computational imaging paradigm. As such algorithms will be developed for estimation of key assay parameters e.g. pathogen concentration, and critically, assessment of the reliability of resulting diagnostics. Through this approach the project aims to develop diagnostic tools with enhanced sensitivity.

The ideal candidate has an enthusiasm for informatics, mathematics, statistical analysis and algorithm development. They would have a first degree in physics, mathematics or engineering with strong analytical, mathematical and programming skills. We consider an applicant’s Grade Point Average (GPA) an important factor in assessing their suitability.

About the Group

We are a theoretical research group at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The group is lead by Assistant Professor Matthew R. Foreman (PhD, MPhys). We have a strong background in physics, mathematics and optical modelling.

Our research focuses on optical and plasmonic sensing, polarisation sensitive imaging, disordered media and electromagnetic theory. We seek to drive progress in quantitative bioimaging and sensing, through development of novel modalities, system modelling and optimisation, and fundamental physical insights.

Important Links

Optical Theory Group website: https://mrforeman.com/

Other available projects: https://mrforeman.com/join.php

Full admissions guide can be found here: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/admissions/graduate/radmissionguide#Content_C047_Col00

This PhD project is funded through an NTU Research Scholarship. To secure the scholarship the PhD position must be taken up in the Jan 2025 student intake. Details can be found here: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/admissions/graduate/financialmatters/scholarships/rss. Speculative applications welcome all year for either Jan or Aug intake.

Apply through the online portal (application fee of S$50 applies, so please get in touch first): https://venus.wis.ntu.edu.sg/GOAL/OnlineApplicationModule/frmOnlineApplication.ASPX. Indicate Asst Prof Matthew Foreman as proposed supervisor.

Admissions Eligibility

Applicants must have Bachelor’s degree with minimum Honours (Distinction) and its equivalent and the ability to pursue research in the candidate’s proposed field of advanced study.

Required Test Score

A valid GRE/GMAT score is required for applicants who are not graduates of the Autonomous Universities in Singapore. Test dates must be within 5 years or less from the date of your application. Applicants from India may use the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering [GATE] score of at least 90th percentile in place of GRE. Test date must be within 3 years or less from the date of your application. 

For applicants whose native language is not English, a good TOEFL score is required. Test dates must be within 2 years or less from the date of your application. IELTS may be submitted in place of TOEFL.

A copy of GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS test scores should be attached to the application.