Apply for a fully funded EPSRC PhD studentship starting September 2024
Label-Free Endomicroscopy Technology for Minimally-Invasive Diagnostics and Surgical Guidance
Deadline: Sunday 24 March 2024, 23:59GMT
Endomicroscopy offers real-time, high-resolution imaging of tissue via an endoscopic fibre optic probe. Current clinical endomicroscopes are fluorescence-based, requiring administration of a topical or intravenous stain before imaging. You will be developing new technologies for stain-free endomicroscopy, building on our experience developing fibre-bundle probes. The initial focus will be on using oblique backplane illumination to provide phase-based contrast, aiming to provide a low-cost solution suitable for rapid clinical translation. We will later explore enhancements such as holographic imaging and numerical refocusing. You will learn how to prototype imaging systems in the lab, develop imaging software in Python, and work with potential end-users to evaluate efficacy.
This project would suit a student with a background in physics, engineering or similar, and an interest in applied, translation-focused research. You will be a member of the Applied Optics Group, a friendly and supportive team developing biomedical optics imaging technology, with regular journal club, seminars, social activities and a student-run optical society. Facilities include 8 well-equipped optics labs, clean air suite, and equipment for assembling fibre-based imaging systems. We have growing expertise in endoscopic imaging probes, with funded projects including fibre imaging for ENT and robotic retinal surgery.
More information about the research field at: https://research.kent.ac.uk/applied-optics/hughes
Further Details
Supervisor: Dr Mike Hughes (m.r.hughes@kent.ac.uk)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Hughes in advance of applying to discuss suitability and the application process.
You will be in competition with applicants to this and two other projects in the School of Physics and Astronomy for a studentship. More details on the EPSRC scholarships are here:
https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/search/FNADEPSRCS02
(Please note that the scholarships are available in Physics as well as Computing and Engineering).
Applied Optics Group: research.kent.ac.uk/applied-optics
School of Physics and Astronomy: www.kent.ac.uk/physics-astronomy
Life in Canterbury: https://www.kent.ac.uk/locations/canterbury
How to Apply
To apply, go to the Physics PhD page (https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/4958/physics) and click ‘Apply Now’. You will be directed to complete an application via an online system, which includes a requirement for details of referees.
This is a generic application system. When asked for a project proposal, you need only provide the project title as above and supervisor (Dr Michael Hughes). Also include the name of the supervisor when asked. It is, however, very important that you complete the ‘Reasons for Study’ section in detail, fully explaining your motivation and suitability for a PhD in this area, your specific interest in this project, and your long term goals. When asked for sources of funding, you should indicate that you wish to apply for the EPSRC scholarship.
Once you have submitted your application, you MUST email your Application ID number and your full name and state that you have applied for a PhD in Physics and wish to be considered for the EPSRC scholarship to kentgrc@kent.ac.uk. You should also copy in Dr Mike Hughes (m.r.hughes@kent.ac.uk) to this email so that we can keep an eye on your application as it progresses through the system.
Deadline: Sunday 24 March 2024, 23:59GMT