Research Fellow in Medical Image Analysis & Machine Learning

Job Description

Research Fellow in Medical Image Analysis and Machine Learning: Grade: 7

Department: Computer Science: Location: 90 High Holborn, 1st floor / hybrid working

Reports to

Professor of Computational Imaging

Context

The appointment will be within the UCL Department of Computer Science – a top-ranked Computer Science Department in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) evaluation, UCL Computer Science was ranked second in the UK for research power and first in England. The specific location will be a new space at 90 High Holborn, which now collocates UCL’s AI Centre and Hawkes Institute, creating a vibrant hub of data and imaging science researchers with interests from basic machine learning and AI technologies through to front-line applications in healthcare.

The UCL Hawkes Institute is a multi-disciplinary research grouping at the intersection of UCL’s engineering and health activities that focuses on advancing healthcare technology. The institute capitalises on UCL’s unique combination of research excellence in computational, engineering and medical sciences.

This project will apply advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to estimate the distribution of iron load in human brains from MRI brain scans. Currently, the best approach available is to use quantitative susceptibility MRI (QSM) but it requires the MRI data to be saved in a way that is not routinely practised. The aim of this project is to harness recent advances in artificial intelligence to allow the use of MRI data that are saved in the standard way to provide accurate and precise quantification of the distribution of iron load in the brain.

Main purpose of the job

This post will develop, and evaluate, novel artificial intelligence algorithms that allow routine MRI brain scans to be used, in place of PET scans or lumbar puncture, for accurate and precise diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Duties and responsibilities

Main Duties

To contribute to the design of a range of experiments in relation to the project.

To be involved in a range of method development and evaluation activities.

To set up and run empirical activities (to include data collection, experiments, program building etc) in consultation with the Principal Investigator, ensuring that experiments are appropriately supervised and supported.

To record, analyse and write up the results of experiments in a timely fashion.

To contribute to the planning and documentation of the project.

To prepare and present findings of research activity to colleagues for review purposes.

To represent the project at workshops and conferences.

To contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to appropriate peer reviewed journals and conferences.

To prepare progress reports on research for funding bodies as required.

To contribute to the preparation and drafting of research bids and proposals.

To develop suitable relevant web pages.

To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required.

Teaching

Provision of teaching on topics related to the post holder’s work as requested by the line manager.

Professional and Quality Assurance

Ensuring the highest standard of record keeping, maintaining accurate, complete, and up to date records.

Ensuring confidentiality is maintained as applicable.

Attending and contributing to Departmental, Institutional and other meetings as appropriate.

Acting at all times in accordance with the highest professional standards, and ensuring that these are maintained in the delivery of all aspects of research.

Adhering at all times to the policies, rules and regulations of the Department, Institute and UCL.

The post holder will actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities and Information Governance policies.

The post holder has a responsibility to carry out their duties in a resource efficient way and actively support UCL’s Sustainability Strategy, policies and objectives within the remit of their role.

The post holder will maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health & Safety Regulations.

General

Follow and actively promote the UCL Ways of Working.

Takes responsibility to carry out duties in a way that embodies UCL's environmental and social sustainability values, actively supporting UCL's Sustainability Strategy, policies and objectives within the remit of their role.

Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager.

This job description may be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.

If applicable: UCL offers hybrid working where appropriate and the successful applicant may normally work remotely for up to 60% of the week if they wish.

Person Specification

Note to job applicant: copy and paste the following criteria into your “Statement in support of your application” and describe underneath each criteria how you meet it, giving examples. You will be scored on how you meet each criteria.

Essential Criteria: Assessment method (Application form/ Interview / Practical Test)

Qualifications, experience and knowledge

A good PhD in Physics/Maths/Imaging Science: Application Experience of the following computer operating system: Unix: Application/Interview Experience of the following computer programming languages: Matlab or Python: Application/Interview Experience in developing and evaluating advanced artificial intelligence algorithms: Application/Interview Experience in developing and evaluating software: Application/Interview

Skills and abilities

Research skills (theoretical and empirical, planning and documentary): Application/Interview Ability to analyse and write up data: Application/Interview Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences: Application/Interview Effective written and verbal communication skills: Application/Interview Excellent organisational skills: Application/Interview Ability to work to deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy and an eye for detail: Application/Interview Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team in a research community: Application/Interview Ability to work unsupervised: Application/Interview Self-motivated and able to use initiative: Application/Interview

UCL Ways of Working

Please use Ways of Working supporting indicators to clarify ‘how we work’ expectations at UCL. Please click here to find grade appropriate supporting indicators and guidance on using Ways of Working in recruitment.: Application/Interview

Desirable Criteria: Assessment method (Application form/ Interview / Practical Test) Commitment to and knowledge of advancing equality, diversity and inclusion: Application/Interview