Overview
Imaging-Based AI Screening for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) – Applications are invited for a fully-funded 3-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Alexis Joannides, starting January 2026.
Background
NPH is a neurological condition arising from a disturbance in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, affecting 3-4% of adults over 65 years, and leading to progressive gait, cognitive, and bladder impairment. Despite an effective surgical treatment, less than 20% of patients with the condition are accurately diagnosed and treated. The REVERT project, funded by the EU, has established a novel, multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and treatment of NPH adopted within routine NHS practice. The project aims to improve detection and timely diagnosis of NPH at a population level by evaluating the feasibility of screening individuals presenting with falls who undergo cranial imaging in an acute context for further evaluation for NPH.
Project aims
The project seeks to implement an automated segmentation approach for evaluating CT head imaging performed after a fall for features of hydrocephalus. It will examine CT-based volumetric segmentation and falls-based screening, combining these approaches to enable automated flagging of at-risk individuals for further diagnostic evaluation. Potential objectives include: (i) Implementing an automated tool for volumetric segmentation of CT imaging using existing tools; (ii) Applying the tool retrospectively on a cohort of patients over 65 identified from electronic health records as having a fall and undergoing a CT head in the emergency department to determine the proportion and demographics of those with NPH imaging features; (iii) Co-designing with appropriate PPIE and undertaking a prospective study inviting flagged individuals to undertake diagnostic evaluation for NPH, and estimating the health economic impact of the intervention using data from ONS and the UK Shunt Registry.
Funding and Programme
The studentship is funded through the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Injury (HRC) Fellowship Programme, supporting research across five themes: prevention & education, acute care & monitoring, restoration & rehabilitation, diagnostics and life-course. The programme provides institutional training, plus a rolling educational programme with tutorials, workshops, web-based training, networking events and peer-led activities. Modules cover navigating regulatory and commercial landscapes, health economics, patient and public involvement, NHS engagement, research inclusion, design and funding support.
Funding details
The studentship covers fees and stipend for three years at the current UOC rate for Academic year 2025/26: £19,000 stipend and Home fees of £10,356. The award is available to students eligible for UK Home fees. Please check Home eligibility and entry requirements.
How to apply
All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal for a PhD in Clinical Neurosciences. Deadline to apply is 2 October 2025. Please apply via the application portal here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcnpdpcn/apply.
Applications should include academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and 2 references. An application is complete only when all supporting documents, including the two academic references, are submitted. Explain your motivation for pursuing a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role. Please quote reference ZE47316 in your application and any correspondence about this vacancy.
Contact and Equality
For project queries please contact Mita Brahmbhatt (NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Injury) at mb994@cam.ac.uk. For questions about application processes please contact the Education team at pgneurosci@medschl.cam.ac.uk. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Notes
Seniority level: Internship. Employment type: Full-time. Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology. Industry: Education Management.
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