Postdoctoral Researcher in Machine Learning analysis of MRI

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic and motivated Post‑doctoral Researcher to join the Lysosomal Disorders Unit at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The post (Band 7) is funded by an award from industry, for a term of two years. The successful applicant will work as part of a team of clinical and imaging specialists.

The ethically‑approved award is to develop a machine‑learning technique to simulate quantitative Dixon fat/water images from a database of traditional T1 and T2‑weighted MR images of muscle. A large training set of Dixon fat/water images, paired with T1 and T2‑weighted images of muscle and other structures, is available locally and from collaborators. The ultimate purpose is to develop a technique to monitor disease progression and response to treatment in genetic diseases of muscle, in which fat replacement is a hallmark of disease.

Such a technique may have wider application to other organs, tissues and disease states. This is a collaborative translational research post focussing on the development of state‑of‑the‑art machine/deep learning‑based medical image analysis methods for MRI. The specific focus is to develop novel biomarkers of fat infiltration in muscle and other tissues for use in real‑world clinical settings.

You will have a PhD in a relevant subject such as computer science or engineering, together with essential experience in advanced analysis of medical images, particularly machine‑learning analysis of musculoskeletal MR. Experience in manual and machine‑learning segmentation of anatomic structures is highly desirable. A substantial publication record in the field is valued. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently, are also essential.

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1,100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values – Together – Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high‑quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.