This project is a collaboration between UCL, including the Institute of Nuclear Medicine (INM), the Centre for Medical Imaging (CMI), and Siemens Healthineers. The 4 year studentship, funded by EPSRC and Siemens, includes a stipend commencing at £19000 plus full university fees (for UK and EU students). Additional funding for travel, conference attendance and consumables is available.
The student will be part of the i4health CDT and benefit from a wide range of activities and opportunities. Imaging facilities at INM and CMI include PET-MRI, PET-CT and MRI scanners.
Studentship Description
Positron Emission Tomography - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET-MRI) is a recently developed imaging technique that combines the metabolic and functional information from PET with the flexibility of MRI. Quantitative PET images are needed to guide patient diagnosis and treatment. To get accurate values, it is essential to know the location and density of any objects through which the PET gamma photons travel, including the MRI receiver coils close to the body. However, these coils are not usually seen in the MRI images and the challenge is to estimate their location and their attenuation of PET photons. This problem is becoming more highly relevant for PET-MRI systems that have improved time-of-flight and spatial resolution for PET.
The primary aim of this project is to improve PET quantification by developing and evaluating PET attenuation correction methods that account for MRI hardware that is not visible in standard acquisition protocols or has uncertain location. Methods to be investigated include advanced PET image reconstruction methods that incorporate estimation of attenuation, advanced MRI sequences, MRI coil sensitivity estimates, shape and deformation modelling of flexible body coils, optical cameras to monitor location. The intention is to develop methods that are clinically practical and robust, and can be used with a range of available PET tracers. The method will build on previous work completed at UCL related to attenuation estimation for the head and lung, using advanced inverse problem techniques and deep learning.
The project will be mostly related to method development but will include some experiments using either phantoms or patient volunteers.
For more information regarding the project and the research group, please contact Prof Kris Thielemans ([Email Address Removed]) and visit the following UCL websites:
Applications
Applications should be sent directly to Prof Kris Thielemans by email with subject-line “PET/MR PhD application” and include a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter. This should set out your previous academic or other experience relevant to the proposed research; why you wish to undertake this research at UCL; your previous research or professional training and what further training you think you will need to complete a PhD; and what ethical issues you will need to consider in undertaking this research. In addition, two references should be named at the end of the statement. At least one reference must be from an academic referee who is in a position to comment on the standard of your academic work and suitability for postgraduate level study. Where appropriate, a second referee can provide comment on your professional experience.
Person Specification
Candidates must meet the UCL graduate entry requirements which include holding at least an upper second class degree or equivalent qualifications in a relevant subject area such as physics, biomedical engineering, computer science or applied mathematics. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and additional research experience would be an advantage. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in medical imaging.
Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to provide evidence of proficiency in English by UCL.
Depending on experience the student will be entered into either a 1 year MRes+3 year PhD programme, or a 4 year PhD.
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