Hot spots and pressure points: Developing AI to identify normal and pathological periprosthetic osteoblastic activity for total knee arthroplasty on SPECT/CT Ref: 5221

Supervisors

Professor Karen Knapp, University of Exeter

Dr Junning Chen, University of Exeter

Professor Xujiong Ye, University of Exeter

Professor Andrew Toms, Exeter Biomedical Research Centre

Project description:

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT-CT) imaging combines functional and anatomical data, enhancing diagnostics but remains underutilized and provides non-specific diagnosis. SPECT-CT’s clinical value in assessing painful knee replacements (TKRs) includes accurate 3D analysis of component positioning and tracer uptake. However, there is limited differentiation between expected and pathological radiopharmaceutical uptake equivocal results in many cases. 

The aim of this PhD studentship is to develop an advanced artificial intelligence algorithm incorporating finite element analysis and computer vision technology to improve prediction of areas where increased radiopharmaceutical uptake is expected versus pathological uptake. 

The team has a dataset of 45 SPECT/CT scans with TKRs and known patient outcomes.  These will be segmented for anatomical structures on CT and augmented with SPECT scans to provide anatomical and pathological ground truth images.  Current AI models of the knee anatomical structures derived from MRI, developed by Prof Ye, will be adapted using transfer learning or domain adaptation methods and mapped to FEA predictions of periprosthetic stress and strain areas.  

Training in machine learning, computer vision and finite element analysis, image interpretation of SPECT/CT and pathophysiology will be provided by expert supervisors in these fields.   
The Department of Health and Care Professions has strong links and a long working relationship with the orthopaedic team locally.  Images to support this study are already held by the group and software to facilitate the work is available. 

NIHR Exeter BRC Commitment

This Studentship will be nested within the National Institute of Health and Care Research Exeter Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Exeter BRC), hosted by the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the University of Exeter and in collaboration with South West NHS organisations. The first of its kind for the South West peninsula, the Centres fundamental objective is to improve health outcomes for patients and the public by translating scientific breakthroughs into potential new treatments, diagnostics and medical technologies.

This studentship will provide the opportunity to work with world-leading researchers and have access to state-of-the-art facilities. The NIHR Exeter BRC are committed to developing and nurturing a diverse and rich pipeline of talented researchers by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to excel and contribute significantly to the local and national economy via the delivery of high-quality and impactful translational biomedical research. Expertise will be harnessed from across the partnership to deliver the best possible training and career development opportunities, with the student provided the opportunity to be embedded in a rich research culture, with a growing body of early career researchers.

We are delighted to have already recruited some exceptionally talented researchers at various career stages to our NIHR Exeter BRC, including  Senior Investigator Fellows, Translational Fellows and our first cohort of PhD students who started with us in September 2023 in addition to a second cohort who will start with us in September this year.

Fees and funding

For eligible students, the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £19,237 (in alignment with standard Research Council UK rate) for 3 years full-time, in addition to a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG). The student will be based on the St Lukes Campus.

*Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend. International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Timeline

The closing date for applications is midnight on 6th January 2025.

Interview panels are anticipated to be held virtually, weeks commencing the 3^rd or 10^th February 2025.

Intended start date in September 2025.

Contact details
If you would like to discuss the studentships further, please contact the primary supervisor as stated in the advert. If you have any queries surrounding the application process or the BRC more generally, please contact Dr Sophie Gould (NIHR Exeter BRC Training and Events Manager) at S.L.Gould@exeter.ac.uk.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate subject area.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/

How to apply

Apply now

In the application process, you will be asked to upload several documents:

• CV – all aspects below must be included, if applicable.
  • Contact details
  • Education history
  • Work history
  • Work experience (voluntary and/ or paid)
  • Professional development and skillset e.g. certification, courses, workshops, conference attendance/ presentations
  • Publications and awards
• Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages)
  Please note that your application will be assessed on research ‘potential’ as opposed to research ‘experience’ to allow candidates who have not had the resources or opportunities to have internships or study for a master’s degree to be assessed on equal terms with those who have had these opportunities.

Please use the guiding questions/areas below to structure your letter of application.
- What it is about this particular research area that interests you (e.g. your interest/understanding of the research question, your skills/experience that fit with this project)?
- How will this PhD studentship help you achieve your future career goals?
- Examples of your achievements in research related activities (e.g. undergraduate, internships, masters or postgraduate work experience).
- Example of your achievements in non-research related activities (e.g. outside of academic study).
- Any additional relevant information to support your application. Including, any mitigation factors you wish to make the selection committee aware of for consideration during the assessment of your application e.g. career breaks due to parental leave or periods of illness, reduced time for career progression due to disability or caring responsibilities, or reduced opportunities to career support.

NIHR Exeter BRC recognises that you may be reluctant, or uncomfortable disclosing relevant information that is sensitive. However, you should bear in mind that that we are unable to take into account factors that you do not disclose. Please be assured that information provided by you is sensitive and will be treated confidentially and in line with General Data and Protection Regulations (GDPR).

• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying).
• Two references.  If you are not able to upload your reference documents with your application please ensure you provide details of your referees for information.  If you provide contact details of referees only, we will not expect receipt of references until after the shortlisting stage. Your referees should not be from the prospective supervisory team.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English
  
  Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment

The NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and Clinical Research Facility (CRF) strongly adhere to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) principles. They share a fundamental objective to empower better health outcomes for all patients and the public by translating scientific breakthroughs into potential new treatments, diagnostics and medical technologies. 
We are committed to ensuring that the consideration of EDI is second nature to all members of our experimental medicine and translational research community, fostering a fully inclusive environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and is provided the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our strategy purposefully shares overarching EDI visions with those of the NIHR, UoE and NHS Trust partners to allow for collaborative working to reach our mutual goals. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underserved within our working community.

Summary