AI and Computer Vision for eye imaging and surgery (2 positions)

4 year funded PhD studentship: AI and Computer Vision for eye imaging and surgery (Saudi Arabia Cultural Office Programme). Now Closed.

NOW CLOSED

Primary Supervisor: Francisco Vasconcelos
Clinical Supervisor: Professor Riaz Asaria

We are offering up to 2 PhD positions to investigate computer vision and AI techniques in the following applications: 

• Analysis of eye surgery video (cataracts, vitrectomy) towards workflow, skills, and risk assessment during the procedure  
• Analysis of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) / Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging towards characterization of eye anatomy, diagnostics and treatment planning.  

The focus of the PhD will be on devising and validating novel AI algorithms within the above-mentioned topics with an aim of achieving clinical translation to reduce surgeon’s cognitive load during the surgery and improving clinical outcome. The successful candidates will join the UCL CDT in Intelligent, Integrated Imaging in Healthcare (i4health) cohort and benefit from the activities and events organised by the centre.

Person specification & requirements:

Academic Requirements
The award of any of the following from a recognized institution: 

• Bachelor's degree with a final overall average grade of 85%, CGPA of 4.5/5.0 or B+ 
• Bachelor's degree from the Arab Open University with a final CGPA of 3.3/4.0 
• Computer Science or equivalent degree.
• Experience in computer vision and/or machine learning research (e. g. through BSc and MSc projects). 
• Good programming skills (python preferred) and knowledge of relevant computer vision libraries (e. g. opencv, tensorflow, pytorch). 
• Motivated for long-term research. 
• English speaking and writing proficiency. 
• Fulfill all entry requirements for Computer Science PhD programme 

The student must also have specific technical competences in either Robotics or AI/Computer Vision

ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATIONS 
Master's degree; Doctorate 

English Language Requirements
Applicant must verify one of the following: 
•    Completed a minimum of 12 months academic education leading to an awarded qualification, in a country that UCL considers to be 'majority English speaking' (*), no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment (or the summer two years prior to enrolment if starting in September) 
•    Completed a minimum of 18 months of work experience in a country that UCL considers to be 'majority English speaking' (*), no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment 
•    Recently obtained acceptable English language qualification or test result (*). The qualification or test result must have been awarded no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment. 
(*)A list of accepted English language qualifications and countries considered to be 'majority English speaking' can be found here. 

How to apply:
Please complete the following steps to apply.

•    Send an expression of interest and current CV to Francisco Vasconcelos  f.vasconcelos@ucl.ac.uk & cdtadmin@ucl.ac.uk. Subject title: Project Code 21003
•    Make a formal application to via the UCL application portal https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply . Please select the programme code Medical Imaging TMRMEISING01 and enter AI and Computer Vision for eye imaging Project Code 21003 under ‘Name of Award 1’

Please note: The application portal will open from 18th October 2021

If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview

Deadline: 1st November 2021