Developing AI tools to identify septic shock from photoplethysmography data
The Faculty of Science Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a new initiative by the University of Nottingham to train future researchers and leaders to address the most pressing challenges of the 21st Century, through foundational and applied AI research on a cohort basis. The DTC training and supervision will be delivered by a team of outstanding scholars from different disciplines cutting across arts, engineering, medicine and health sciences, science, and social sciences.
Project overview
Start date: 1 October 2026 for 3.5 years (42 months)
There are 245,000 cases of sepsis/year in the UK. It kills more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined. Globally there are 48.9 million cases resulting in 11 million deaths. Better methods are urgently needed to identify and guide treatment of sepsis. Our vision is to transform the way clinicians assess and manage patients with sepsis through a novel digital device with embedded AI-algorithms that continuously monitors the microcirculation non-invasively using photoplethysmography (PPG). PPG is the technique used in pulse oximeters and fitness monitoring devices.
This PhD will investigate AI approaches to identify changes in the PPG signal that correspond to sepsis and septic shock states; and test the hypothesis that these signals can be used to detect early signs of sepsis. This project utilises sensor data acquired using instruments developed by our research team. Although most of the PhD will focus on the development of tools to analyse the data, you should have an interest in making measurements on human subjects.
Supervisors
- Dr Lucas Fonseca - School of Computer Science
- Professor Steve Morgan - Faculty of Engineering
Candidate requirements
A strong enthusiasm for artificial intelligence research and a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline to the research topic - please consult with the potential supervisors. See the "how to apply" section for contact details.
Read our application guide for full guidance on residency, qualifications and English language requirements.
Funding and eligibility
This studentship is open to UK/home applicants only.
Annual tax-free stipend based on the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27), home tuition fee, and a £3,000 p.a. Research Training Support Grant.
How to apply
Application deadline: Sunday 19 April 2026. You must have completed and submitted your application to the NottinghamHub system by this date.
Read our application guide for full guidance on how to apply. The application process has two steps.
Email Dr Lucas Fonseca (School of Computer Science) for further details and to arrange an interview.