Applications are invited for a 3 year University funded Ph.D. project hosted in the School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University. This interdisciplinary project will expand on recent advances made at MMU and the Institute for Reproductive Medicine at the University of Warwick in microscopic embryological data processing and visualization. The aim of the current research is to develop a more detailed understanding of the molecular basis of the changing 3D organization of developing. The student will develop methods for semi-automatic segmentation targeted at 3D microscopic embryological datasets, with implementation and testing on real pre-existing datasets. Based on the segmentation results, the student will then create physically based 3D models of embryo shapes and inner structures. The segmentation and visualization of the number, shape and size of blastomeres and nuclei will provide valuable information about the potential viability of the embryo, and will assist embryologists to understand the mechanisms of developmental failure. The student will need to combine skills and interests in computer vision; C/C++ and MATLAB based implementation and physically based modeling. The student should have a good degree in Computer Science or a suitable other hard science or engineering subject. Preference will be given to students with appropriate M.Sc. or equivalent research experience. The student will receive EU fees and a stipend of £12,000 per annum. The studentship should be taken up not later than 01/September/12. The Image and Sensory Computation research group is a lively research environment, which currently has 5 academics and 6 other researchers working on a variety of projects concerning human imaging. For full details and informal discussions, please contact: Dr. Silvester Czanner, s.czanner(a)mmu.ac.uk, http://www.docm.mmu.ac.uk/STAFF/S.Czanner/ Dr. Nicholas Costen, <mailto:n.costen@mmu.ac.uk> n.costen(a)mmu.ac.uk, <http://www.docm.mmu.ac.uk/STAFF/N.Costen/> http://www.docm.mmu.ac.uk/STAFF/N.Costen/ Applications should be made via the University postgraduate application form. This is available from <http://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/#research> http://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/#research (please make it clear on the form that you are applying for this studentship in particular). -- Dr. Silvester Czanner Lecturer in Computer Games School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology Manchester Metropolitan University John Dalton Building Chester Street Manchester M1 5GD tel.: +44 (0) 161 247 1643 e-mail: S.Czanner(a)mmu.ac.uk Office hours (JD E137): M, Th, F: 3-4PM