Developing mathematical tools for image analysis to evaluate the effects of regenerative medicine therapies on kidney function – RenalToolBox Project

The RenalToolBox is an EU-funded ITN that aims to develop novel tools and technologies to assess the safety and efficacy of cell-based regenerative medicine therapies for kidney disease. You will join a team of 15 Early Career Researchers (ESR) working across 10 different institutions towards this goal.
In this position you will be developing novel image processing routines and mathematical modelling tools for quantitative analysis of MRI of the kidney. The overall goal of your project will be to apply MRI methods to accurately assess different aspects of renal function following kidney injury, and to quantify the extent to which renal function improves following the administration of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies. Working collaboratively within the ITN, you will be co-supervised by academics from the Institute of Translational Medicine and the Department of Mathematics within the University of Liverpool. While the major focus would be the development of analytical tools for MRI, you will also have the opportunity to work with complementary imaging technologies including multi spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT), positron emission tomography (PET) and single positron emission computed tomography (SPECT).
You will develop skills in the following areas:
• Preclinical MRI of the mouse kidney
• Developing tracer kinetic modelling of imaging data
• Developing image processing and analysis tools including image registration and segmentation
• Multi-scale modelling for accurately assessing different aspects of renal function simultaneously.
More information about this consortium and the project can be found in www.renaltoolbox.org.

Requirements:
Essential:
• BSc degree in a relevant subject (mathematics, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, physics,physiology or other related subjects).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated individual, willing to take part in personal skills training, international travel and public outreach activities.
• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality research.

Desirable:
• A Master’s degree in mathematics, biomedical engineering or a similar discipline.
• Research experience involving quantitative analysis of imaging data.
• Experience with preclinical imaging (MRI or nuclear imaging).

Other Requirements:
• Be in the first four years (full time equivalent) of your research career. This is measured from the date when you obtained a degree which formally entitles you to embark on a doctorate.
• Not yet have a doctoral degree.
• Have not resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
• Have the ability to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English. Please note the University of Liverpool’s English Language Requirement for EU and International Students is an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 5.5.

Selection process:
• Deadline for submitting applications: 30 November 2018
• Shortlisting: 20 December 2018
• Interviews: January/February 2019
• Start date: early 2019

For application enquiries please visit www.renaltoolbox.org or contact Dr Arthur Taylor ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof Patricia Murray ([Email Address Removed]).
To apply please send CV (with two referees) and cover letter to [Email Address Removed] .