PhD Studentship: An integrated development into acute illness diagnostics using temporal changes in facial phenotypes

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship inComputer Vision and Machine Learning (CVML) Research Group, within the School of Engineering and Computing.The studentship is funded through the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress].  Both Home and EU/International applicants may apply but EU/International applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (2024/25 rate £19237 per year) subject to satisfactory progress.

Project Description:

The objective of this project is to innovate new methods for analysing facial features and to use this information for non-invasive medical diagnoses. Despite the rich information contained in faces, the complexity of analysing multiple data sources has limited its use. The project will utilise machine learning to analyse facial phenotypes, creating image processing tools to detect and segment faces from colour, depth, and thermal images. The project will also identify features that can track changes in facial phenotypes over time and correlate these changes with vital signs and biomarkers.

In collaboration with Lancaster University and East Lancashire NHS Trust, the project aims to build large datasets that capture facial phenotype, articulation, and other relevant information related to illness. The goal is to overcome diagnostic challenges by detecting acute illnesses through changes in facial phenotypes.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Wei Quan ([email protected] ).

For the full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

Applications should be completed on our online application system , selecting the following options:

• Type of Study - Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus - Preston Campus
• Mode of Study - Full Time

Please quote the studentship reference number DTC-12-22-30 on the online application form.

Closing Date: 12th April 2024

Proposed Interview Date: TBC

Expected Start Date: 23rd September 2024

CURRENT UCLAN RESEARCH STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP