Developing CT Imaging Biomarkers of Disease Progression and Treatment Response in COPD through Application of Computational Modelling and Machine Learning

We are offering a 4 year EPSRC CASE PhD studentship supported by with GSK

Using existing tools to characterise lung features, manifold learning and disease progression modelling will be applied to CT scans of COPD patients. Robustness and accuracy of these tools will be evaluated and an integrated processing pipeline for proposing and qualifying novel biomarkers of disease progression and therapeutic response developed. Separate clusters may distinguish functional changes associated with increased likelihood of exacerbations and exacerbations that accelerate lung deterioration.

Using data from GSK and others the ability of this pipeline to identify those most at risk of structural lung disease progression as a result of early exacerbations, and who may therefore benefit from future disease-modifying interventions, will be tested – personalised medicine in COPD.

We are seeking applications from those with an excellent degree in Computer Science, Physics, Maths and Engineering or related discipline to apply state-of-the-art imaging sciences and machine learning to this important clinical problem.

The studentship is tenable for 4 years. The student will become a member of the 2017 cohort of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Medical Imaging at UCL.

The programme comprises a 1 year MRes with a strong training element, followed by 3 years PhD. An enhanced stipend will be paid and EPSRC CASE studentship residency requirements apply. The studentship must be taken up by 1st October 2017.

UCL and its associated medical centres form the Academic Health Sciences Network, UCL Partners, the largest biomedical research organisation in Europe with consistently the largest number of high ranking publications.

The student will be based at the Bloomsbury Campus in Central London with easy access to all that the vibrant environment of London provides. For further information please contact Rebecca Holmes ([Email Address Removed]) about the CDT Programme and Professor David Hawkes, Centre for Medical Image Computing ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr. John Hurst, Respiratory Medicine ([Email Address Removed]) for further information on the project.

To apply please initially send your CV and a supporting personal statement to Professor David Hawkes by 30th June 2017.