Methods for applied neuroimaging analysis

Neuroimaging analysis is a multi-disciplinary approach that seeks to extract information from available visual modalities such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and functional MRI to detect structures, quantify their properties and functions, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments or interventions (clinical/behavioural) or predict certain conditions/behaviours/outcomes.

This PhD project seeks one or more PhD candidates toward developing Statistical/Machine/Deep Learning methods with the aim to generate tools that optimize the process of neuroimaging analysis and support decision-makers across multiple context (e.g., business sector, medical practitioners, etc.).

The project is part of an international collaborative effort between Dr. Sebastiano Massaro (www.sebastianomassaro.com) at the Surrey Business School and The Organizational Neuroscience Laboratory (UK) and Dr. Antonio Napolitano (https://moh-it.pure.elsevier.com/en/persons/antonio-napolitano) at Ospedale Bambin Gesu’ (Rome, Italy). The successful candidate(s) shall enrol at the Surrey Business School and conduct most of the work at Ospedale Bambin Gesu’ and remotely.

The expected starting date is either January 2021 (with a formal application deadline November 5, 2020) or September 2021. The duration of the programme is 4 years (full-time) or 8 years (part-time).

Candidate specification

We seek to recruit one or more highly motivated student with strong numeracy skills. The ideal candidate should have appropriate academic qualifications (preferably a first class MSc degree) in Statistics, Informatics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or other relevant area, from a reputed University, with a strong proven background in programming and coding and a desire to pursue a research career in the future. Experience in biostatistics or MRI research is an additional asset.

How to apply

This is an ongoing call for applications that will close at the appointment of the selected candidate(s). Candidates willing to be considered for a January 2021 entry should submit an expression of interest by October 30, 2020 (stage 1) and finalize their formal application to the University of Surrey by November 5, 2020 (stage 2).

The selection process is in two stages. First, interested candidates should contact via email both supervisors including a copy of their CV and a brief cover letter. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an informal interview conducted remotely.

Second, following this interview, the selected candidate(s) will be encouraged to apply through the formal process at the Surrey Business School (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/management-and-business-phd). This application will require among other documents:
• CV and cover letter
• Reference letters
• Research proposal indicating how the candidate would approach one of the research questions outlined in the project specification, with appropriate references.