X-ray Diffraction Imaging for Rapid Tissue Evaluation

Project ID: HI_13
Theme: Health Innovation

This project will take the first exciting, systematic steps towards developing a new, disruptive X-ray based technology that will collect clinically valuable tissue characteristics without the need for a conventional, invasive biopsy (removal of tissue). Initial efforts will target the diagnostic/prognostic ‘gap’ associated with the low specificity of mammography; filling this gap will result in faster diagnoses, significantly reduced health burdens and substantial cost savings.

You will develop a novel optical X-ray diffraction (XRD) probe that will provide radiologists, during mammographic examinations, significantly enhanced clinical information regarding the tissue state. The fundamental tissue information provided by our probe concerns characteristics of tissue microenvironments (mixtures of cellular and non-cellular components providing the regulatory network fundamental to all organs) that are critical for disease progression and cancer cell invasion. Such characteristics associated with breast tissues have been studied extensively and clear markers, including those indicating cancerous change, have been known for some time. The idea is to exploit X-ray scattering signatures that characterise the molecular structures of biological molecules; there is overwhelming evidence of correlations between molecular structure, and tissue pathological state.

You will work in a state-of-the-art facility at NTU to construct the experimental system, collect data, and conduct Monte Carlo computer simulations and analytical studies. Your supervisory team will include world leading experts on novel XRD probing (Professor Paul Evans at NTU) and imaging, and X-ray cancer diagnostics (Professor Keith Rogers at Cranfield University).

Supervisory Team

Paul Evans

David Downes

Professor Keith Rogers (cranfield.ac.uk)

Applicants should have demonstrated excellence at an undergraduate level and or master’s degree (or UK degree equivalent according to NARIC) with a minimum of a commendation, and/or a UK 1st Class/2.1 in physics or related engineering/science discipline and have good knowledge of one or more core areas of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray imaging, optics, Monte Carlo simulation, signal analysis and processing. Please note that while experience of working with X-rays is desirable it is not essential to be considered for the position.

This is a fully funded PhD studentship opportunity, open for both UK and International applicants.