About the Project
Background: Sensitive early detection and monitoring of obstructive lung conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD, is still lacking in clinical practice. The most common clinical test is spirometry, which is insensitive to small changes and involves forced expiration, which can be difficult for patients to perform reproducibly [1]. A range of more sensitive tests that probe different aspects of lung physiology exist, such as multiple breath washout (MBW) and oscillometry, however they are yet to breakthrough into widespread clinical use due to long test times or difficulty in interpreting results. This project aims to address some of these barriers by developing software based on robust statistical inference methods combined with computational models of lung physiology. This will build on previously published preliminary work by supervisors Whitfield and Horsley [2].
What we’re looking for: A highly motivated student with a strong academic record in a relevant physical science related discipline (e.g. mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science). The project will be interdisciplinary, so a keen interest in medicine and medical applications of mathematical modelling will be beneficial. The project will combine mathematical modelling approaches with statistical inference methods and apply these to clinical datasets from real patients. Therefore, candidates with experience in
Programming and numerical methods
Ordinary and partial differential equations
Statistical modelling and/or data science
are particularly encouraged.
Research Environment: The successful candidate will join 3 other PhD students working in the Lung Modelling Group at the University of Manchester, led by Carl Whitfield (DKO Fellow, Department of Mathematics). Therefore, the student will benefit from directly relevant peer support as well as the experience of the larger applied mathematics group in the Department of Maths. The project will also be co-supervised by Simon Cotter (Professor of Applied Mathematics) and Alex Horsley (Professor of Respiratory Medicine), as well as involving other collaborators at the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre based in Wythenshawe (south Manchester). Therefore, it is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working in an interdisciplinary environment and apply skills in the mathematical sciences to a challenge in medical research.
As part of this collaboration, the student will have access to large high-quality clinical datasets, including the LCI-search project, a total of ~950 MBW tests, consisting of ~100 healthy volunteers and ~100 people with cystic fibrosis (with repeat visits). Beyond this, there is scope for this project to extend to parameter identification other datsets, including paired MBW and oscillometry data from the ongoing Rapid Access Diagnostics in Asthma (RADicA) dataset of ~400 people with suspected asthma and ~150 healthy volunteers.
Eligibility
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
Funding
This 3.5 year PhD is for self-funded students. Exceptional candidates will be considered for Faculty funding (this will include an annual tax free stipend of £20,780 and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year).
At The University of Manchester, we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply (carl.whitfield@manchester.ac.uk). Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
CV
Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
English Language certificate (if applicable)
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Funding Notes
This 3.5 year PhD is for self-funded students. Exceptional candidates will be considered for Faculty funding (this will include an annual tax free stipend of £20,780 and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year).
At The University of Manchester, we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
References
[1] 1. Asthma + Lung UK. Transforming Respiratory Diagnostics: The Way Forward. https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/research-health-professionals/research-influencing/transforming-respiratory-diagnostics (2024).
[2] Whitfield, C. A. et al. Model-based Bayesian inference of the ventilation distribution in patients with cystic fibrosis from multiple breath washout, with comparison to ventilation MRI. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology 302, 103919 (2022).