The University of Bath is inviting applications for a 4-year fully funded PhD studentship.
Overview of the Research:
The primary aim of modern radiotherapy is to administer a highly localised dose of radiation to the tumour, whilst minimising harm to adjacent healthy tissue. This delicate balance offers the optimal chance of eradicating cancer whilst mitigating adverse side-effects. Technological advancements are quickly elevating the level of precision in radiotherapy. However, this heightened precision increases the treatment susceptibility to an array of uncertainties, both physical and biological, which are often not considered in a holistic manner.
Considerable biological uncertainties stem from the individual variability in patient sensitivity to radiation. Meanwhile, physical uncertainties, often overlooked as negligible, can significantly skew treatment outcomes. The susceptibility to these uncertainties also differs depending on the type of radiotherapy and the anatomical site undergoing treatment.
The existing state-of-the-art lacks a unified protocol for managing these diverse sources of uncertainty, as well as an established set of metrics for their assessment. This project aims to address this shortfall by developing a robust mathematical framework for the quantification of uncertainties in radiotherapy treatment planning. Utilising advanced mathematical models and data science methodologies, we aim to quantify the personalised impact of both physical and biological uncertainties.
Our overarching goal is to amalgamate these disparate uncertainties into a singular, physics-based data-driven model that can guide the creation of high-precision, minimally invasive, and maximally effective personalised treatment plans. The mathematical formalism to be developed will offer a comprehensive guideline for incorporating various uncertainties into a cohesive strategy for treatment planning, thus improving the likelihood of achieving superior clinical outcomes.
Project keywords: radiotherapy treatment planning, uncertainty quantification.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant physical science, mathematics, engineering, data science, or other numerate subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in problem solving and experience in a scientific programming language such as Python, MATLAB, etc. An interest or familiarity with radiotherapy is an advantage but not a requirement.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Tristan Pryer on email address [Email Address Removed] or Mohammad Hussein on [Email Address Removed].
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application for a PhD in Mathematics.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
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