Development of AI framework for iPSC image analysis and integration with transcriptomics

About the Project

A fully-funded PhD studentship is available to start by 30th September 2026 to work with Professor Viji Draviam, Professor of Quantitative Cell and Molecular Biology, QMUL, and Dr Wei Wei, Associate Principal Scientist, MSD.

This project is part of the UKRI/BBSRC AI for Drug Discovery Programme, and the successful candidate will join a cohort of students working on complementary projects in the AI for Drug Discovery space.

The Studentship will cover tuition fees, UKRI stipend (currently £22,780) and a consumables allowance for a period of 4-years (pro-rata for part-time).

Application Deadline: 28th June 2026

Background

The Draviam lab aims to understand the molecular principles that govern cell division and the consequence of its failure when cells transition between states during differentiation. Together with MSD, the project aims to focus on developing AI methods to track iPSC (induced Pluripotent Stem Cells) differentiation to neural precursors, astrocytes and neurons. During the process of differentiation, quiescence and senescence are two cell dormancy states with distinct cell fates and transcriptomic statuses. However, these two states of dormancy have similar nuclear shape and size presentation (in images) which we aim to separate by developing a DL-based image analysis framework that tracks their behaviour through time. The ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background in image analysis, development of ML/DL methods, a keen interest in biosciences and provable experience in teamwork.