Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09449

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

See advert text

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

07-Oct-2025

About us

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The UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS) is a collaborative and cross-disciplinary environment where clinicians, scientists, engineers, and allied health professionals are constantly striving for innovative approaches to treatment and evaluation. Our research spans the full translational pathway, which is reflected in the multidisciplinary nature of our team. Our aim is to improve patient and population health, and the delivery and the quality of healthcare. We achieve this through improving our understanding of the biological, psychological and social determinants of health and clinical outcome, and through the development, implementation and evaluation of novel interventions.



DSIS reaches across three London campuses bringing together three major research departments: Targeted Intervention (Bloomsbury) Surgical Biotechnology (Royal Free), and Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Science (Stanmore).



The Division holds a Silver award for the Athena Swan Charter which recognises advancement of gender equality and aims for representation, progression and success for all. Further information on the Division can be found at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/surgery/



The Research Department of Targeted Intervention (RDTI) is the Bloomsbury campus of the DSIS and is led by Professor Ramani Moonesinghe, also head of the Centre for Perioperative Medicine (CPOM) (see below) and the Central London NIHR Patient Safety Research Collaboration (CL-PSRC). RDTI is host to seven thriving research groups including CPOM, and including researchers from diverse backgrounds including clinicians and career scientists, lab researchers, clinical triallists, qualitative and quantitative scientists and other health services researchers.



Our Prostate Cancer Unit at UCL began as a small group with a clear mission: to improve how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated. Over time, our team's research has contributed to a better global understanding of the disease and demonstrated the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in prostate cancer. This non-invasive technique has improved the accuracy of diagnosis and reduced the need for unnecessary biopsies for many men each year.



At UCL we have the expertise, experience, and infrastructure required to carry out advanced research and clinical trials. Our Unit has played a central role in developing prostate MRI, including leading the PROMIS study and the PRECISION trial, which remain important references in the field.



Currently, our imaging-based research is led by Professor Caroline M Moore (Urologist) and Dr Francesco Giganti (Radiologist) and focuses on different key areas of prostate imaging. We are actively investigating the use of MRI for patients on active surveillance (AS) for low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer and working to improve the assessment of image quality of prostate MRI.

About the role

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The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in prostate cancer MRI has seen a rapid and extensive increase, particularly in the diagnostic setting where its potential for enhancing accuracy and efficiency is being currently tested. However, the full potential of AI remains largely unexplored in other crucial areas of the prostate cancer pathway. While diagnostic applications are maturing, significant gaps exist, particularly in the fields of AS and image quality assessment.



Our extensive studies in these fields have resulted in seminal publications and the creation of two dedicated scoring systems: the PRECISE score for AS and the PI-QUAL score for image quality. Both systems have recently been updated to version 2.



In particular, our AS cohort at UCL has been established over the past 20 years, and following our initial promising results on the application of the PRECISE criteria in this cohort, a lot of useful data still need to be extracted and analysed.



Building on this foundation, we are now exploring the exciting potential of AI in prostate MRI. Our researchers and clinicians are actively partnering with leading AI companies to bridge the current gap in applying AI to the prostate MRI pathway, with a special focus on enhancing AS and improving image quality.



We are seeking a talented, motivated UK-based PhD candidate. This fully-funded 3-year (full-time) or 5-year (part-time) studentship offers a unique opportunity to explore the role of AI to transform prostate cancer care.



Your research will focus on three key areas:


Diagnosis: You will utilise our extensive retrospective data from landmark studies to evaluate and validate various commercially available AI tools. This work is essential for identifying the most effective solutions before we integrate them into our clinical practice.

Active Surveillance: You will help us develop AI-powered tools to analyse serial MRI scans, creating objective metrics like tumour volume thresholds to accurately track disease progression.

Image Quality: You will help us implement AI to automate and streamline the assessment of image quality, ensuring every scan is of the highest standard and reducing workload for radiologists.


You will be taught how to report MRI scans of patients on AS independently and be involved in updating our AS database, including the retrieval of clinical data.



Specifically, you will learn how to assess the image quality of MR scans during AS and how to report using the PRECISE recommendations.



You will also play an active role in the evaluation of MRI scans from multiple centres, and help building a personalised model to determine what tests should be done, and when, for patients on AS.



The data generated will be used, in collaboration with both UCL and international colleagues to build a predictive tool for AS to allow patients on AS to have the least invasive tests.



The closing date for applications is 7.10.25 at 23:59 GMT. The interview date is to be confirmed.



For enquiries about this role please e-mail Dr Francesco Giganti (f.giganti@ucl.ac.uk) and Prof Caroline Moore (caroline.moore@ucl.ac.uk).



If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or if you have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR team at l.oppong@ucl.ac.uk.

About you

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Candidates must hold a first degree in medicine with a strong background in Clinical Radiology (FRCR is a plus). Previous research experience is highly desirable. They must demonstrate substantial experience of working within complex healthcare systems, preferably the NHS. Experience in contributing to research reports, peer-reviewed publications, or research dissertations is essential.



We are seeking candidates with proven skills in project management, meeting tight deadlines, and effective problem-solving. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is required. Candidates should be adept at writing clear, well-structured research reports and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R) is expected, together with a commitment to supporting the development of new research techniques and projects.



Applicants must show dedication to learning and applying practical techniques while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards. Strong organisational skills, proactivity, and the ability to prioritise effectively are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development (through courses, training, and other initiatives) and be prepared to contribute actively to our research environment both nationally and internationally.



The candidate will also be required to prepare progress reports on research to UCL and funding bodies as required and to travel between various UCL sites as required (e.g. Charles Bell House, UCLH sites including Westmoreland Street Hospital and the Bloomsbury Campus)The duties of the post outlined above are not exhaustive, and they will be subject to review in line with the changing requirements of the Centre, Division or College, and with the development needs of the post holder as identified through regular review/appraisal processes.

What we offer

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You will receive a starting stipend of 22,780 (full time) or 11,390 (part time) per annum as well as the cost of tuition fees (for both UK and non-UK candidates). The stipends awarded to PhD students are tax free and incur no income tax. The amount received increases each year over the duration.



The part-time end date is 1.2.31.



Please note that this is a PhD studentship, not a salaried position.



As this is a studentship, it does NOT include standard employment benefits such as National Insurance (NI) contributions, parental leave, or sick pay.



A full studentship is available for home fee payers only.



UCL's fee eligibility criteria can a be found by following this link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/fees-and-funding/pay-your-fees/fee-schedules/student-fee-status

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.



We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.



These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.



Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.