About the project
This project aims to develop cutting-edge 3D X-ray imaging methods to improve histopathology and tissue diagnostics. It will advance non-destructive µCT -based imaging of histological specimens to guide sampling, reduce diagnostic error, and support spatial -omics. Based at the interface of engineering and medicine, this project combines imaging science, pathology, and translational biomedical research.
This PhD project will develop, optimise, and validate three-dimensional (3D) X-ray histology using micro-computed tomography (µCT) to transform how tissue samples are analysed in both clinical diagnostics and biomedical research.
Conventional histopathology relies on slicing tissues before microscopic analysis, which risks missing critical structures. In contrast, µCT allows for non-destructive, whole-tissue imaging—offering detailed 3D insight before physical sectioning. This project aims to create imaging workflows that guide sampling and sectioning with greater precision, reducing diagnostic errors and supporting advanced downstream analyses such as immunohistochemistry and spatial multi -omics.
You will design and validate new protocols for both fresh and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue imaging, assess diagnostic value, such as tumour margin assessment, and evaluate the impact of X-ray exposure on tissue quality for molecular analysis. A dedicated work package will investigate the potential of this technology to support tissue microarray construction, sample sharing, and cost recovery in biobanking.
This is a unique opportunity to gain interdisciplinary expertise in imaging science, pathology, and translational medicine—contributing to innovations that can directly benefit patient care. The project operates at the interface between engineering and medicine. You will work within the μ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre and the Biomedical Imaging Unit, and collaborate with Clinical Pathologists at University Hospital Southampton.
This project involves collaboration with the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. You must be willing to work within a clinical-academic setting and comply with NHS research governance, data protection, and ethical standards. Enhanced DBS clearance and research passport eligibility may be required to access certain facilities.
You will receive comprehensive, interdisciplinary training across biomedical imaging, histopathology, and translational research. This includes:
- practical training in micro-computed tomography (µCT), 3D image reconstruction, and analysis at the μ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre
- laboratory experience in tissue handling, histological processing, and immunohistochemistry through the Biomedical Imaging Unit and Histochemistry Research Facility
- training in ethical and legislative frameworks for human tissue research, including biobanking and regulatory compliance
- hands-on experience with interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, pathology, and clinical settings
- opportunities to present research at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
In addition to the University of Southampton supervisors, this project includes Dr Hannah Markham (University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust) as external supervisor.
