Developing AI platforms for rapid diagnosis of adult and childhood blood cancer

Summary

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) could greatly change how doctors diagnose and treat cancer. One important part of this process is looking at pictures of tissue samples (called histopathology images) to identify cancer and its type.

Plasma cell myeloma (PCM) is a type of blood cancer that affects around 6,200 people in the UK each year, and it usually has a poor outlook for patients. Treatments are changing quickly as researchers discover new ways to target the disease. The basic criteria for diagnosing PCM have only been slightly updated in the past ten years, but analysing bone marrow is still very important for making a diagnosis. When doctors take a bone marrow sample, they prepare slides from the blood to examine it. The amount of plasma cells - specifically, more than 10% of abnormal plasma cells - helps determine the treatment options and can affect how long patients survive. However, analysing these samples can be slow and take a lot of work for doctors.

The goal of this PhD project is to create AI and machine learning techniques to more accurately and quickly identify plasma cells in bone marrow samples to assist with diagnosing myeloma. The project includes three aims:

1. Train AI and machine learning systems using data from about 200 previously collected bone marrow samples that include detailed information from five blood specialists.
2. Analyse new bone marrow samples as they are obtained and compare the speed and accuracy of these AI tools with the assessments made by experienced specialists.
3. Use insights from the research above and analyse the environment around the bone marrow cells (an aspect not currently considered in standard diagnostics) to develop a pilot AI tool for diagnosing and predicting outcomes for childhood leukaemia based on bone marrow samples

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• BBSRC/UKRI Doctoral Landscape Award

This fully funded PhD scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £20,780 per annum for four years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £5000 per annum is also available.

This scholarship is open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships are available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.