PhD studentship – Application of artificial intelligence to identify risk patterns and potential solutions for patients with Multiple Long-Term Conditions with a focus on eye disorders.

Award summary

100% of home tuition fees paid and annual living expenses at UKRI rate, currently £19,237 per year.  

Successful international candidates will be required to fund the difference between the home fees and international fees. 

This interdisciplinary position is funded through National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Patient Safety Research Collaborative (PSRC) in Newcastle. Its key aim is delivering real, meaningful improvements to safety for patients with Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTCs).  

https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/news/5-3million-investment-for-patient-safety-research/ 

Overview

The Newcastle NIHR PSRC is a partnership between three universities (Newcastle, Northumbria, and Queen Mary, London) and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Post-graduate students will join a vibrant team of Newcastle-based researchers within the PSRC. 

The PSRC includes four research themes and a patient and public involvement programme. This PhD project will sit within the theme of:     

• Artificial intelligence and data science in MLTCs

Our research theme embraces the exceptional capacity of Machine Learning (ML) to identify patterns in vast collections of electronic health records and imaging data (http://ai-multiply.co.uk/). We aim to discern risk patterns at both population and individual patient levels, enabling earlier intervention. Exploring the trajectories and care pathways of MLTCs in the ophthalmology service will be core to this PhD. 

There will be important opportunities to collaborate cross theme and benefit from a dedicated post-graduate training program, providing unparalleled opportunities for post-graduate training and interdisciplinary working. 

Number of awards 

1 

Start date  

Sept 2024 

Award duration 

3 years 

Application closing date 

29th May 2024 

Sponsor 

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), NuTH and Newcastle University 

Name of supervisor/s 

The principal supervisors will include: 

Dr Will Innes – Staff_profile, link_to_Octahedron_Project_Team 

Professor Nick Reynolds – Staff_Profile 

Professor Mike Barnes – https://www.qmul.ac.uk/whri/people/academic-staff/items/barnesmichael.html 

It is likely that other academic and clinical colleagues from our broader themes will be involved in supervision: 

Safer management of polypharmacy in MLTCs  

Safer integrated health and social care environments   

Safer management of MLTCs in disadvantaged communities   

Eligibility Criteria

We are looking for a candidate with: 

• an MSc in computer science or a related field
• a creative and independent mindset
• strong Python programming skills
• previous experience working with image data
• experience working with big databases
• a university-level understanding of machine learning
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• fluency in written and spoken English
• willingness to work collaboratively with other researchers

The following are not required, but would be regarded as extremely advantageous: 

• real-world experience with ML and data processing systems (eg. internship, entrepreneurial experience)
• experience with responsible ML (eg. fairness, GDPR)
• open-source project contributions

How to apply

Please apply through the University’s Apply_to_Newcastle_Portal   

In ‘Course choice’ tab, click ‘Search Course’ put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in ‘Type of Study’, ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2024’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8317F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’.   

Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Pharmacy (PHS) (FT)’, and click ‘Save selection.’   

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Enter code ‘PH050’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project as above. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, highlighting how your interests and experience relate to the project.    

Contact Details

Nick.reynolds@ncl.ac.uk 

m.r.barnes@qmul.ac.uk