Towards real-time digital volume correlation for imaging applications

Many important applications in materials science and medical imaging rely on high detail image slices / scans which are compared across time (e.g. via micro x-ray CT). The technology to compare such series of images is called digital image correlation and for two-dimensional image slices best practices for fast and accurate image comparisons are, while subtle, well established and allow one to e.g. detect stresses in slices of materials or anomalous changes in a medical context.<br /> <br /> The three-dimensional equivalent is known as digital volume correlation and is far less developed. Many aspects that only slightly slow down 2D image correlation software make certain naïve 3D algorithms computationally unfeasible. <br /> <br /> The issue is amplified further by the existing software landscape, which consists primarily of disjoint and non interoperable scripts which do not allow engineers to interact with or constrain the model's background assumptions without digging into the code itself and thus often scale poorly to highly performance sensitive applications.<br /> <br /> The goal of this research project is to develop a software suite designed in collaboration with scientists and engineers active in materials science micro x-ray CT which allows a user-friendly choice of model (local vs. global), efficient processing of multi-sequence images as well as setting physical constraints (e.g. incompressibility or known fixed points in the setup) and does so in a performant manner. The project will initially require becoming familiar with and implementing existing state-of-the-art algorithms such as ALDVC and developing the mathematical and software framework to go beyond them. Some initial experience with performant languages such as Julia, C or Rust are desirable but this can also be acquired as part of the project.<br /> <br /> Individual projects can be focused on software or mathematical study or both. Depending on personal interests there will be plenty of opportunities to include machine learning approaches to achieve the above-mentioned project aims. <br /> <br /> Please feel free to contact the main supervisor informally with your CV and a short list of interests and questions for a discussion.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Computer Science</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Towards real-time digital volume correlation for imaging applications</strong></em> as well as <strong>Dr Timon S. Gutleb</strong> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the Funding Source you are applying for is the School of Computer Science Scholarship 2025/26.</strong></em></p> <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><em>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. Across all Faculties 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.</em></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 1 September 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study in the School of Computer Science is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 6.0 in reading, 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 class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive School of Computer Science Studentship providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years. There are no additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or any other costs.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Timon S. Gutleb by email to <a href="mailto:T.S.Gutleb@leeds.ac.uk">T.S.Gutleb@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>