Linking eye movements with image analysis methods for high resolution retinal imaging in the living human eye

Recent technological developments have allowed us to image the back of the eye with such high resolution that we can see the individual light-sensitive cells responsible for sight in a living human. This extraordinary ability to study the living eye in microscopic detail is helping us to understand what constitutes a healthy retina and how this changes with age. It allows us to probe the visual system on a cellular level to understand the basic building blocks of sight. 

Analysis of biological images can be challenging, and this is particularly true when the ‘sample’ is a living, moving system such as the eye. But, can we turn this to our advantage? The movements of the eye are not random, they follow characteristic patterns of movement and actively extract relevant information from a visual stimulus. Can we use our understanding of how the eyes move to develop better techniques for capturing and analysing high resolution retinal images?

This project uniquely combines research into the human visual system with novel image processing approaches, using sophisticated instrumentation. It will appeal to applicants with an interest in biological or biomedical imaging, particularly in vivo retinal imaging, and visual neuroscience. Interdisciplinary training will be provided in image analysis techniques (including machine learning), imaging instrumentation and visual psychophysical experimentation. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a broad but complementary skillset and explore interdisciplinary research in an emerging field.

Informal enquiries may be made to laura.k.young@newcastle.ac.uk

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be made by emailing bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk with a CV and a covering letter, including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application; you may wish to indicate, for example, why you are particularly interested in the selected project/s and at the selected University. Applications not meeting these criteria will be rejected. We will also require electronic copies of your degree certificates and transcripts.

In addition to the CV and covering letter, please email a completed copy of the Application Details Form (Word document) to bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk, noting the additional details that are required for your application which are listed in this form. A blank copy of this form can be found at: https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply.