XClose

UCL EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Integrated Imaging in Healthcare

Menu

Hyperpolarised xenon MRI as a new platform for epithelial function assessment

Now Closed

Studentship

1 January 2020

Now Closed

This is a 4-year EPSRC Industrial CASE award in collaboration with GSK. 

UCL Supervisors:

Prof Geoff JM Parker (Lead); Prof Mark Lythgoe; Dr Joseph Jacob; Prof Stuart Taylor

GSK Supervisor:

Fred Wilson

Background:

Hyperpolarised xenon-129 (HP-29Xe) can be detected using MRI, providing large signals, especially when in its gaseous phase. This phenomenon has been used successfully to image and characterise lung disease, by using inhaled gaseous hyperpolarised xenon-129 (HP-29Xe) as an imaging agent. HP-129Xe can also be identified in its dissolved phase, both in tissue/plasma and within red blood cells, providing a unique potential mechanism for determining the efficiency of molecular diffusion across tissue barriers and to/from the blood stream. 

This is a 4-year EPSRC Industrial CASE award in collaboration with GSK. As such, the studentship attracts an enhanced stipend relative to standard EPSRC awards and benefits from the active involvement of an industrial project partner.

Project plan:

This project will extend previous observations to create a general approach to quantifying tissue gas transfer, combining theoretical modelling, machine learning methods, novel data acquisition in animal models, and data analysis. In addition to building on past measurements of tissue function in the lungs, a major novel aspect of the project will be extending these methods to characterise tissue function in the large intestine, with potential relevance for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease

Requirements:

Applicants are expected to have a first degree in Physics or relevant Physical Sciences based subject passed at 2:1 level (UK system or equivalent) or above. Good working knowledge of C++ and/or Python and/or MATLAB is desirable. Some experience with medical imaging is also desirable.

To Apply: 

Please send a CV and Covering Letter expressing your interest to Prof Geoff Parker (Geoff.parker@ucl.ac.uk) by 31st July 2020.