Postdoctoral Training Fellow in Computational Imaging

The Blackledge Lab is based at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, England (blackledgeimaging.com). The lab focuses on understanding the interface between medical imaging and computational science in oncology. In particular we aim to develop techniques that monitor imaging changes that inform on patient response and toxicity following radiotherapy. Our enthusiastic team of scientists are passionate to translate their research into clinically practical solutions in order to ensure that patients can benefit from emerging computational techniques.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-learning (DL) are rapidly changing the landscape of radiology and radiotherapy. AI and DL have the potential to aid tumour detection across the body, provide segmentation of disease and normal anatomy for treatment planning; integration of these techniques with quantitative MRI methods such as diffusion-weighted imaging, allow us to non-invasively map how the biology of tumours change during treatment. By leveraging this information, it might be possible to tailor treatment for individual patients, targeting dose to aggressive tumours whilst sparing neighbouring healthy tissue. This research will bring computational science and physics to the forefront of the ICR’s mission for providing smarter and kinder treatments for cancer patients.

We are looking for a driven postdoctoral training fellow to join our team of imaging scientists, with the aim of developing new methods in AI and radiomics that can improve the way in which we analyse medical images for radiotherapy assessment. State-of-the-art techniques will be developed with an aim to (i) establish computational pipelines for investigating the relationship between quantitative imaging metrics and clinical/biological tumour status, and (ii) use these pipelines to provide predictive modelling of tumour response and healthy tissue toxicity from multi-modal data. In the first instance, this will include investigation of AI models for prediction of radiotherapy response in breast cancer using state-of-the-art multi-parametric MRI with data from an international study.

The post holder will have the opportunity to independently drive their work, and will be encouraged to publish their results in relevant high-impact journals and present at international meetings.

The successful candidate will be expected to possess a PhD in Physics, bioengineering or computer science, with strong experience in image analysis, methods in deep-learning and artificial intelligence, and demonstrated computer skills. The post-holder should be proficient in the Python programming language, and should have some level of working knowledge in Unix operating systems and version control for software development. Willingness to work within a multidisciplinary environment is crucial.

Appointment will be on a Fixed Term Contract for up to 36 months in the first instance. The starting salary will be £32,844* - £40,902 p.a. inclusive dependent on previous experience (*salary for pre-viva candidates). Applications should be submitted online. Job ref. 1259