Enhancing X-ray micro-CT scanners through hardware and software

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Philip Basford and Prof. Simon Cox

Would you like to work with state-of-the-art hardware and innovative software, using your skills to improve world-leading imaging techniques?

microCT scanning is a key technology in non-destructive imaging across many applications. You will extend the capabilities of existing microCT scanners expanding their capabilities to improve scientific understanding.

The µ-VIS(https://muvis.org/) X-ray Imaging Centre is home to some of the largest and most capable microCT scanners available in UK universities, and we want to further improve our capabilities. These scanners can reveal sub-surface information from materials, components, and biological tissue. We have strong links with research, industry and clinical research, and are part of the national X-ray CT facility (NXCT(http://www.nxct.ac.uk/)). Our microCT scanners are routinely used to scan objects from fossils, to racing cars to human tissue. We are looking to increase the capabilities of these scanners by integrating new equipment. We have 2 different complementary detectors that we want to integrate, a DECTRIS Hybrid photon counting detector which allows for ‘colour X-ray’ scanning, and a high-resolution CMOS detector which will allow very high-speed high-resolution scans to be performed. We are also looking to integrate new temperature control systems, and tensile testing rigs into the scanners. These new capabilities need to be integrated into the control systems and the post-scan data handling routines. This PhD will be developing new ways to manage and process this data deluge, as well as ways to share the data with the wider research community. We are looking for someone with programming experience who would also like to work with CAD and electronics to achieve integration of the different systems. The PhD is not expected to integrate all the equipment we have available and will be tailored to suit the candidate.

This PhD will make use of the µ-VIS X-ray imaging facilities.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in an engineering or related discipline. Experience of programming in Python and/or C# and experience with CAD packages are desirable.

Closing date: 31 August 2026. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk)

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• If you will be full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)

Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk