Statistical Data Mining for Medical Image Data Analysis

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship funded by the Loughborough University School of Science to start in January 2017. The project will be based in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

The aim of this project is to develop new statistical data mining models and methods for medical image data analysis. For example, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method that benefits clinicians in monitoring human brain disease progression, planning neurosurgery and studying brain development. DTI also has the ability to differentiate between functionally different muscles of the body through exploring the architecture of skeletal muscle. DTI data analysis must account for the diffusion tensor, which has a complicated mathematical structure, the three-dimensional spatial characteristics of the image, and the existence of complicated fibre structures in biological tissues. The combination of these aspects makes diffusion tensor image analysis one of the most challenging topics in the area of medical image analysis.

A further example is mammography data analysis. To identify mammographic feature (e.g. mass, calcifications and architecture distortion) and to analyse the geometry properties of these features among mammography images are essential for breast cancer screening. To achieve the aim of this project, new techniques will be developed building on the rapidly developing theory of Statistical Date Mining, as well as on Statistical Shape Analysis and Computer Vision.

The studentship is for 3 years and is intended to start in January 2017. The studentship provides a stipend of £14,296 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for up to three years. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those who are eligible to pay UK/EU fees. In order to qualify for a full award, all applicants must meet the EPSRC eligibility criteria including the minimum UK residency requirement https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/
Candidates will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Computer Science. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and good programming skill.

General information about the Department of Mathematical Sciences can be found at:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/maths/

For informal enquiries about the project, please contact: Dr. Diwei Zhou [Email Address Removed]

To apply, please complete the online application using the following link: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/

The closing date for applications is Friday 25 November 2016

Please quote the following reference when applying: SCI/MA/DZ3