Frailty assessment using imaging-derived body composition analysis to inform personalised anal cancer treatment: reverse/forward translation in PLATO

This PhD place provides an exciting opportunity for a doctor in UK higher specialty clinical training in Clinical Radiology to pursue postgraduate research relating to the use of imaging-derived body composition analysis in in the assessment of frailty to inform personalised treatment of anal cancer.<br /> <br /> The School of Medicine invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2025/26 for the ARCTIC Leeds-Manchester PhD Studentship (Image derived frailty assessment in anal cancer patients).<br />

<div style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 11px;">Anal carcinoma incidence is increasing globally on the background of an ageing population living longer often with co-morbidities. There is an unmet need to deliver physically and biologically informed personalised and stratified radiotherapy to address inequalities which exist in this cancer population that are underrepresented in clinical trials. Automated body composition analysis using standard of care cross-sectional imaging offers the opportunity to objectively assess frailty in patients before and after treatment and could help stratify treatment decisions. This project will utilise multidisciplinary anal cancer/radiotherapy clinical trial expertise and established Manchester/Leeds collaborations in imaging biomarker analysis converging this around an internationally leading platform trial (PLATO) led by Leeds to explore imaging-derived measures of frailty in real world datasets already available at both institutions with prospective trial datasets. The PhD candidate will embed within high calibre collaborative academic groups at both centres and review published literature on imaging-based frailty assessment in pelvic radiotherapy. They will then utilise established real world and clinical trial imaging datasets alongside an automated analysis pipeline to study imaging-markers of frailty in anal cancer before and after treatment. They will explore the causal pathway between frailty and treatment outcomes. They will also help design an imaging sub-study within a future multi-centre trial (PLATO2) testing if imaging frailty assessment using automated body composition analysis can appropriately stratify patients with anal cancer for treatment.</div>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application. </p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>a personal statement (1,000 words maximum) describing your suitability for the project, giving an overview of your relevant experience, research and clinical training.</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for an ARCTIC Clinical PhD Studentship</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Within the we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+; and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability. </p>

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Medicine should normally have an Undergraduate degree (honours) in medicine and be in a GMC-recognised UK clinical training programme. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact Jo Bentley J.Bentley@leeds.ac.uk or the Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">ARCTIC Leeds-Manchester Clinical PhD Studentship available in the School of Medicine in 2025/26. This studentship is open to UK applicants and covers PhD tuition fees, clinical salary and project running costs. </p> <p>The award is open to full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree at the School of Medicine and are at the appropriate stage of UK clinical specialty training.</p> <p> </p> <p>Information about the Award</p> <ul> <li>We are offering 1 full-time/ part-time PhD scholarship in the School of Medicine for one UK candidate, covering PhD tuition fees, clinical salary and project running costs for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. </li> </ul> <p>Duration of the Award</p> <ul> <li>Full-time (3 years). The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</li> </ul> <p>Other Conditions</p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> <li>Applicants must be in a GMC-recognised UK clinical specialty training programme.</li> <li>Interviews will be held on 17th January 2025 at the MCRC Centre in Manchester and will consist of:</li> </ul> <ul> <li>a paper critique by the applicant;</li> <li>a discussion with the panel;</li> <li>a question and answer session with the panel.</li> </ul> <p>Prior to the interview day, a full itinerary will be sent to you confirming further details about the process including information about additional activities that may take place on the day, as well as practical information on getting to the interview location. Virtual attendance will be offered.</p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="color:#4a4a4a">For further information please contact the Faculty Admissions Team </span></span></span></span></strong><br /> e: fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</p>