(MCRC Non-Clinical) Development of a UK proton computed tomography system

About the project

About the Project The advantage of proton beam therapy over conventional X-ray radiotherapy is the increased normal tissue sparing. This advantage, however, is impacted by beam delivery accuracy which, in turn, is impacted by the associated uncertainties. The energies of the proton beams that make up the treatment plan, are chosen to stop the protons within the tumour volume and not in healthy tissue. A key parameter in this calculation is the relative stopping power (RSP, the energy loss per unit length) of the tissue the protons are traversing. This quantity is usually determined from the planning X-ray CT scan that the patient receives ahead of treatment. Indeed, one of the largest uncertainties stems from the fact that patients are imaged with X-rays but treated with protons, whose fundamental interactions differ from those of X-rays. One solution to this problem and an ideal method for eliminating the uncertainty associated with the calculation of RSPs from planning X-ray CT imaging is to image with protons. A high energy, low intensity therapeutic proton beam is used, in transmission mode, to image the patient anatomy and deduce RSPs directly. The proton beam therapy research group at the University of Manchester, in collaboration with the Christie NHS Foundation Trust is developing the UK’s only proton CT system. The aim of this project is to test, commission and improve the prototype system with a view to eventual clinical translation. The device testing will take place in the UK’s only dedicated proton therapy research facility based within the Christie’s clinical proton beam therapy centre. The project will involve elements of radiation detection, measurement, instrumentation and the development of novel image reconstruction algorithms. This project presents an exciting opportunity to may a key role in the development of the UK’s only proton CT system. Eligibility You must hold, or about to obtain, a minimum Upper Second Class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline. A related master’s degree would be an advantage International applicants (including EU nationals) must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before contacting potential supervisors to express an interest in their project. Eligibility information can be found on the University's Country Specific information page. Before you Apply Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application. How to Apply Apply directly via this link: https://tinyurl.com/577zjazd or on the online application portal, select MCRC PhD Programme as the programme of study. You may only apply for one project within this scheme. Please ensure that your application includes all required supporting documents: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Supporting Statement Academic Certificates and Transcripts Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Further details are available on our website: CRUK Manchester Centre PhD Training Scheme | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester Application Timeline Applications open: Monday, 5 October 2026 Application deadline: Monday, 23 November 2026 Interview date: Week commencing 11 January 2027 Start date: September 2027 Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the University’s activities. The full statement can be found here: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/getting-started/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Research areas