Applied Computing PhD Opportunity x 2

(with a view to achieving Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computing)

Ten-D Innovations is a company located in Shanghai, China, and specialised in technology innovations and transfer in the field of computer vision and machine learning. The newly established Ten-D Buckingham Research and Development Partnership involves two R&D centres, one in Shanghai, and the other in University of Buckingham. The Partnership is seeking two PhD students of high calibre to join the R&D centres.

Project Description

Ultrasound imaging devices are widely used in many medical centres because of their safe and non-intrusive nature. Ultrasound images are often taken as preliminary checks for signs of concerns such as malignant tumours. However, due to the specific characteristics of ultrasound images, despite technical advances of computer vision, image processing and machine learning techniques, computer aided diagnosis based on ultrasound images is still a very challenging task.

This research aims at developing novel machine learning solutions particularly in deep learning and transferable learning for computer aided diagnosis using ultrasound images for a range of cancerous tumours. The research involves two main directions of exploration, one in exploiting the full potentials of various forms of deep learning neural networks and transferrable learning in extracting useful features from ultrasound images in overcoming limitations of the conventional handcraft feature extraction approaches, and another in pursuing the most recent development in topological data analysis in meta-feature extraction and embedding of TDA into deep learning framework.

This research project is fully funded by Ten-D Innovations under the Ten-D Buckingham R & D Partnership Scheme. The fund for each research student covers the full tuition fee for the duration of the PhD, plus gives a stipend of £15,000 per annum. The successful candidates will be expected to spend at least 6 months per year in the Shanghai centre during their research. In addition to the stipend, free travel to Shanghai will also be provided.

Person Specification

Applicants should have the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

Education / Qualifications

• A Masters or a first-class Honours degree in Computer Science or Applied Mathematics.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Good grasp of modern machine learning technology and possess good skills in fast prototyping of new solutions and other aspects of research.
• Excellent communication skills are essential for the candidates to communicate effectively within the research teams, with the sponsors and potential clients.

The closing date for applications is: 19 August 2018.

Interviews likely to take place during early September 2018.

Expected start date: mid to end September 2018.

To apply, please email your CV to: hongbo.du@buckingham.ac.uk.