Medical imaging processing studentship

This studentship allows the student to dive deeper into the areas of medical image processing and computational topology and geometry.

Overview

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the Department of Computer Science. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on three-dimensional cell segmentation and analysis using methods from computational topology/geometry and topological data analysis.

Traditional approaches in medical image analysis (such as unsupervised traditional algorithms and, more recently, deep learning methodologies) do not fully incorporate the geometrical and topological properties of the data structures resulting in under/over-segmentation of cell nuclei as they rely heavily on variations of pixel intensity, texture or other local characteristics.

Recently, basic tools from topological data analysis have been applied successfully on tumour segmentation, diagnosis and classification, albeit on very limited data sets, consisting of standard, low-resolution, histological images.

This research project aims at devising new methods that combine advanced tools from topological data analysis and computational topology/geometry with image processing and deep learning methods to achieve in-depth analysis high resolution EM images of cancer cells.

The proposed research will afford the student a chance to go deep in the areas of medical image processing and computational topology/geometry. These skills are expected to be sought after highly by the industry and can also provide a robust foundation for an academic career.

The results of a successful doctoral thesis are expected to be of interest to the medical imaging community. The student will be encouraged to publish results of their research at leading international conferences and in top-tier journals.

Eligibility and requirements

The candidate should have an upper second class honours BSc (or equivalent, or higher) degree in computer science or mathematics. A Master’s degree and experience in the area would be an advantage. They should demonstrate aptitude for original research.

The candidate should possess very good mathematical skills and a solid background in image processing and computer vision, machine learning, and theory of algorithms. Knowledge in the context of computational geometry/topology would be an advantage.

A candidate who demonstrates exceptional aptitude in one or more of these areas (as evidenced, for instance, through strong academic credentials or research papers in reputable, peer-reviewed journals/conferences) may be accorded preference. The successful candidate should also be able to code comfortably in Python and Matlab.

A doctoral candidate is expected to meet the following pre-requisites for their PhD:

1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of their research area
2. Achieve and demonstrate significant depth in at least a few chosen sub-areas relevant to their primary research area
3. Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research, including a critical assessment of their own and others’ research

Previous publications in high-quality papers in reputable peer-reviewed conferences and journals are desirable.

Funding

The studentship is for 3 years and will provide full coverage of tuition fees (Home and Overseas) and an annual tax-free stipend of £12,000.

Each student would also have the opportunity to earn around £2.2K pa on an average (max. is around £4.3K pa) through a teaching assistantship. We shall prioritise these scholarship holders while allocating the teaching assistantships.

How to apply

Initial informal enquiries should be addressed to Panos Giannopoulos or Constantino Carlos Reyes-Aldasoro.

• Email Panos Giannopoulos
• Email Constantino Carlos Reyes-Aldasoro

Visit our Computer science research degrees web page for further information on making a formal application.

When submitting your application, enter the title “Geometric and topological methods for segmentation and analysis of three-dimensional cells observed with Electron Microscopy” and you will automatically be considered for this studentship.

You do not need to submit a proposal as part of your application as the project has already been outlined.

The online application can be found in the ‘How to apply section’ in the web link above and should include the following supporting documents:

• Copies of Degree Certificates and Transcripts in official English translation - original will be requested before an offer is made.
• Official work e-mail addresses (not private ones) for two referees (one of which must be an academic).
• Proof of English Language proficiency (minimum average score of 6.5 IELTS, with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components) if English is not your first language.
• Passport.

The outcome of the selection process should be announced by the end of June. The successful candidate will formally start their doctorate either in July or in October 2022.

For queries regarding the application process, please email the School.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

City, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture, for our whole community, including staff, students and visitors.

We welcome applications regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social class. For more information on our approaches to encouraging an inclusive environment, please see our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages.