Key facts
- Type of research degree
- PhD
- Application deadline
- Thursday 30 April 2026
- Project start date
- Thursday 1 October 2026
- Country eligibility
- International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
- Funding
- Funded
- Source of funding
- University of Leeds
- Supervisors
- Dr Sharib Ali
- Additional supervisors
- Dr Shahid Farid (Clinical) and Dr Rafael Kuffner Dos Anjos (Computer Graphics)
- Schools
- School of Computer Science
The PhD studentship will broadly explore development of cutting-edge AI solutions for image registration, anatomy segmentation, and immersive technology. The selected candidate will work with preoperative MRI/CT scans to create 3D models of organs and intra-operative surgical videos. The candidate will develop surgical planning and implement new technologies for its integration as VR/AR assistive platform. Please note that AR integration will be supported by the computer graphics team at Leeds so this is not a mandatory criteria. The research directions will be adapted based on the progress and consultation with clinical colleagues and supervisor, ensuring impactful outputs. The candidate will have opportunity to collaboratively work with computational scientists and surgeons exploring novel ways to transform research and practice in surgical care. <br /> <br /> Ideal candidate will have some prior knowledge in computer vision/deep learning and some basic understanding of computer graphics but not mandatory. Please feel free to contact the main supervisor informally with your CV and a short list of interests for a discussion.
<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>• For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees, Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> • The admission year for this project is <strong>2026/27 Academic Year</strong>. <br /> • You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>PhD Computer Science Full Time</strong>. <br /> • The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •<strong> </strong> Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Image guided intervention supported with mixed reality </strong>as well as<strong> <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/computing/staff/11465/dr-sharib-ali">Dr Sharib Ali </a></strong>as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the School of Computer Science Studentship 2026/27.</strong></p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website here. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project. </p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Thursday 30 April 2026. 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><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Thursday 30 April 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</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><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>
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 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><meta charset="UTF-8" /></p> <p>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 of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years. <br /> <br /> You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up or overtime year, currently £340 in Session 202526, but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p>Please note that there is only 1 funded place available. If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applications are open to either International or Home (UK) applicants.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Conditions </strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered. </li> <li>Award must be taken up by 1 October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> <li><strong>Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> for information regarding Fee Status for Non UK Nationals. </p>
<p style="text-align:start">For information about this project, please contact Dr Sharib Ali by email to <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">s.s.ali@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>
<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h3>
<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked research areas</h3>