Studying haemodynamic changes in multimorbidity

Project proposal

The number of patients with two or more medical conditions, known as multimorbidity, is rising. It is becoming clear that this is not limited to just pairs of organs, but organ–system interactions, with complex haemodynamic phenomena and structural changes underpinning this problem. This project will develop and apply novel MRI methods to assess the multi-organ haemodynamic interactions and structural changes in the living human body.

The project will:

• develop MRI techniques to study multi-organ haemodynamic interactions in a time-efficient manner so that it can be used in patients. This will include the development of 4D-Flow measures for the assessment of 3D vascular changes, and the application of compressed sensing (CS) acceleration to measures of Arterial Spin Labelling (ASL) to measure tissue perfusion in brain and abdominal organs (liver, kidney and heart), including work on both the 3T and 7T human MR scanners
• develop analysis and optimal sampling approaches that are targeted at maximising sensitivity to haemodynamic measures, such as perfusion, across abdominal organs and the brain. Combining haemodynamic measures with structural measures, including tissue morphometry and relaxation time mapping which change with disease due to inflammation and fibrosis
• study multi-organ haemodynamic interactions and structural changes in patients with kidney and liver disease by applying the developed MRI techniques. For example, in hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) which is a form of hemodynamically mediated kidney dysfunction seen with advanced cirrhosis

This project will provide the opportunity to learn how to use an MRI scanner, design MRI sequences, make MRI measurements of physiology/haemodynamics, and analyse MRI images using python. The supervision team covers a broad range of disciplines by including MR physicists, engineers and clinical specialists.

Before you apply

Check your eligibility. You need to meet two key criteria in order to be eligible to apply:

1. Residency
2. Qualifications

Residency

UK and international students can apply for this programme – access more information. Our funding is sufficient to provide fees and stipend at the standard UKRI rate for Home students. We are able to offer places to international students, but you will be charged at an international fee rate.

Qualifications

You need a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant area of science or technology, or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, to be eligible to apply. 

If you have a 2:2 or lower, you may still be eligible to apply if:

•  you have a masters degree in a relevant subject
• you have three or more years of full-time work experience that is relevant to your undergraduate degree, or to the PhD projects you are applying for 

You may still be eligible to apply if you were not able to complete your degree or achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances.

If English isn't your first language

If English isn't your first language, you will also need to meet the relevant English language requirements. An IELTS score of 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element) is required, though we also accept alternative qualifications. 

If you require additional support to develop your language skills, you may be able to attend a presessional course at the Centre for English Language Education.

Applying

Share your motivation and how your skills and experience are relevant to the programme. You should also demonstrate how you would benefit from participating in the doctoral training programme and how you will contribute to your academic community as a result.

Please ensure you have submitted your application by midnight on Wednesday 14 June 2023 as we cannot accept late applications.  

Once you have completed your application form, you can submit it online along with your academic transcripts. We do not accept CVs with applications. Your name, age, gender and previous institutions of study will be removed from your application prior to sifting and you must not make reference to this information on your application form.

We want to make the application process as easy as possible for you, so you do not need to contact potential supervisors at this stage. If you are shortlisted, we will arrange for you to discuss your project areas with the supervisors of your preferred projects.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our research community at the Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre.

References

You need to supply the details of two referees. We will request references if you are shortlisted for interview.

Interviews will be held on 26th and 29th June 2023.