PhD Studentship: Imaging-Based AI Screening for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

PhD Studentship: Imaging-Based AI Screening for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Join to apply for the PhD Studentship: Imaging-Based AI Screening for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus role at Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy

Applications are invited for a fully-funded 3-year PhD studentship in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Alexis Joannides starting April 2026 (Easter Term 26).

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition arising from a disturbance in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, affects 3‑4% of adults over 65 years, and leads to progressive gait, cognitive, and bladder impairment. Despite the existence of an effective surgical treatment, less than 20% of patients with the condition are accurately diagnosed and treated. A key barrier to improved management of NPH is poor awareness amongst healthcare professionals.

Project Aims: Falls have been reported to precede a diagnosis of NPH in 80‑90% of cases. Given that a significant proportion of patients presenting with a fall undergo cranial imaging, and a number of imaging hallmarks have been shown to be of diagnostic value in NPH, the project will seek to implement an automated segmentation approach for evaluating CT head imaging performed after a fall for features of hydrocephalus. CT‑based volumetric segmentation and falls‑based screening have been separately reported in the context of hydrocephalus but not previously combined to enable automated flagging of at‑risk individuals for further diagnostic evaluation.

Funding: The studentship will cover fees and stipend for three years at the current UOC rate for Academic year 2025/26, £19,000.00 and Home fees of £10,356.00. The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK Home fees. Please check for Home eligibility (https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/fees) and entry requirements (https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvcnpdpcn/requirements).

Application deadline: 14th January 2026. 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 only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant\’s responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date. Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

Any queries about the project, please contact Mita Brahmbhatt on mb994@cam.ac.uk. Any questions regarding application processes please contact the Education team on 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.