3 year PhD Studentship in Biomedical Photoacoustic Image Reconstruction
3 year PhD Studentship in Biomedical Photoacoustic Image Reconstruction
University College London – Photoacoustic Imaging Group, UCL Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering
Ref: 1122216
Applications are invited for a 3 year PhD Studentship funded by EPSRC to work on the development of a new biomedical imaging modality, photoacoustic imaging. The technique is based upon the generation of broadband ultrasound waves by the absorption of nanosecond pulses of laser light in tissue. These acoustic waves can then be detected at the tissue surface with an array of ultrasound receivers and used to reconstruct a high resolution 3D image of the internal tissue structure. The technique is potentially broadly applicable to both basic research in the life sciences and clinical investigations such as the assessment of breast cancer, vascular disease and skin pathologies.
Photoacoustic imaging has been used to obtain detailed images of anatomy (see ) but the images are qualitative and do not give absolute values for the underlying tissue properties. If quantitatively accurate images could be obtained, photoacoustic imaging would become a much more general and powerful molecular and genomic imaging modality. However, one obstacle to obtaining accurate quantitative images is that existing image reconstruction algorithms contain idealised assumptions about acoustic propagation and detection that are rarely true in practice. The main aim of this project will be to tackle this issue by developing and validating computationally-efficient, tissue-realistic models of acoustic propagation and detection, and using them to help devise and test generalised image reconstruction algorithms appropriate for acoustically heterogeneous media. In addition, ways to tackle the other acoustic sources of error could be explored, such as devising schemes to minimise the effect of incomplete data sets on the image. This is one of the most important unsolved problems in photoacoustic imaging, and practical means for its solution would represent a significant breakthrough. This project offers an exciting opportunity to undertake research in an internationally leading research group and contribute to the development of a promising new medical imaging technique.
Applications are invited from well motivated individuals who have, or are expected to have, at least a good honours degree (or higher, such as an MSc) in physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics or a related discipline and an interest in the biomedical sciences. Applications are welcome from those with relevant industrial experience seeking to return to an academic research environment. The studentship, available from 1 February 2010 onwards, is fully funded for 3 years and will attract a stipend of £15,290 pa. Only UK/EU applicants are likely to be eligible for the funding associated with this award. The closing date for applications is 8th January 2010
Requests for further information and applications (including a covering letter, CV and names of 2 referees) should be sent to Dr Ben Cox at bencox@mpb.ucl.ac.uk quoting Ref 1122216.
This post is part of a significant expansion of our research activities in biomedical photoacoustic imaging and acousto-optic sensing, following the award of several major EPSRC grants. For other PhD studentship and postdoctoral posts in this area, please go to .
Further information on the research area and the activities of the Photoacoustic Imaging Group and the Biomedical Optical Research Laboratory can be found at:
- Photoacoustic Imaging Group:
- Biomedical Optical Research Laboratory:
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Filed Under: Physical Sciences • University College London
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