NOW CLOSED: Rapid determination of organ microstructure and vasculature via advanced x-ray micro-CT
PhD Studentship - Rapid determination of organ microstructure and vasculature via advanced x-ray micro-CT - Deadline 28 February 2023
10 January 2023
Primary Supervisor: Prof Sandro Olivo
Co-supervisors: Prof Paola Bonfanti, Dr Charlotte Hagen
A 4 year funded PhD studentship is available in the UCL Department of Medical Physics and biomedical Engineering (Advanced X-Ray Imaging Group and Nikon -UCL next generation X-Ray imaging) , in collaboration with the Francis Crick Institute.
Funding will be at least the UCL minimum. Stipend details can be found here.
The successful candidate will join the UCL CDT in Intelligent, Integrated Imaging in Healthcare (i4health) cohort and benefit from the activities and events organised by the centre.
Project Background
The field of micro-CT has seen massive advances over recent years, with an exponential growth in the number of companies active in the area. However, all current micro-CT is done in the same way, using standard source/detector technology, and measuring x-ray attenuation: not only does this limit image quality (e.g., micro-CT has limited soft tissue contrast), but also the application remit of the technology itself.
This project will use novel x-ray technology, novel x-ray detectors and novel image sensing mechanisms, ultimately providing a new type of 3D x-ray images with higher resolution, exquisite soft tissue contrast and the ability to extract functional information through targeted use of imaging agents which will be correlated in real time with the surrounding anatomical information.
This will revolutionise the use of micro-CT in biomedical research as it will allow studies that are currently impossible. Biomedical research is largely based on optical microscopy methods which have limited penetration depth and field of view; the outcome of this research will allow extracting the same information from entire organs in a truly three-dimensional fashion. It will be picked up by academic and industrial communities alike, leading to next-generation CT scans and ultimately to in vivo translation.
Research Aims
The objectives of this project are to optimise all new elements of the new technology individually, combine them in an optimally integrated fashion, apply them to significant biomedical problems and assess the improvements
Person specification & requirements:
A first degree in physics or engineering would be preferred, however candidates from other potentially relevant backgrounds (e.g., biomedical sciences) will be considered if they can show the right level of commitment and interest
A full studentship is available for Home fee applicants. Overseas fee payers will be considered but they must have secured a separate scholarship that can cover the fee difference between Home Fee and the Overseas fee.
UCL’s fee eligibility criteria can a be found by following this link.
Application Deadline: 28 February 2023
Please complete the following steps to apply.
- Send an expression of interest and current CV to: a.olivo@ucl.ac.uk and cdtadmin@ucl.ac.uk .Please quote Project Code: 23014 in the email subject line.
- 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 Project Code 23014 under ‘Name of Award 1’
Application Process:
- After the deadline, all applicants that specified Project 23014 and with a Portico application will be considered for interview.
- Candidates will normally be invited for interview within two-weeks of the deadline. If you have not been contacted within this time-period, you have unfortunately not been successful in being shortlisted.
- The interview panel will normally consist of the supervision team on the project and the CDT Director.
- The interview will normally consist of a short presentation (5-10mins) by the candidate followed by questions from a panel.
- The successful candidate will be informed by email and given a week to confirm whether they wish to accept the PhD place and funding.
- Note that applications without specifying the project they are applying for and/or making a formal Portico application will be automatically rejected.
- Once accepted, a formal UCL offer of admission will be sent to the applicant as well as an offer of studentship funding.