Development of a UK proton computed tomography system
Closing date: 23/11/2026
Non-Clinical Studentship Project: Development of a UK proton computed tomography system
Lead Supervisors: Dr Michael Taylor
Co-Supervisors: Dr Adam Aitkenhead
Applications Deadline: 12:00pm Monday 23rd November 2026
Interviews: Friday 5th February 2027 (in Manchester)
Start date: September 2027
Project Keywords: Proton beam therapy, proton imaging, proton computed tomography
Research Opportunity: Non-Clinical Studentship leading to the award of PhD
Project Outline
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.
Applications for this project are now open. Please complete your application on The University of Manchester website.
About Dr Michael Taylor (project Lead Supervisor)
Dr Michael Taylor leads proton beam therapy research at the University of Manchester. He graduated from the University of Liverpool with a PhD in Nuclear Structure Physics and following research positions at the Universities of Rutgers in the US, Brighton, Keele and York in the UK, Dr Taylor joined the nuclear physics research group in Manchester in 2010. In 2015, in conjunction with the development of the NHS clinical high-energy proton beam therapy service, Dr Taylor joined the PRECISE proton beam therapy research group which he now leads. Dr Taylor co-created and now manages the UK’s only dedicated high-energy proton beam therapy research facility. He leads a multi-disciplinary team of scientists addressing some of the biggest challenges in proton beam therapy and his personal research focusses on improving delivery accuracy, reducing uncertainties and developing novel techniques to increase the applicability of proton beam therapy for paediatric cancer patients.
Key information
Before submitting an application, please ensure you have read the information below about the funding arrangements and eligibility for Non-Clinical Studentships.
We also encourage you to get in contact with the lead supervisor to discuss the project and any particulars.
Further information is available on the Non-Clinical PhD Studentships webpage.
Our Non-Clinical PhD Studentships are usually funded for four years, with funding covering:
- Project running costs
- University tuition fees university tuition fees (at the UK rate, with some scholarships available for high-performing EU/International candidates)
- An annual stipend of £22,500 to help with living costs
Studentships are highly competitive and so we encourage you to contact any supervisors who you are interested in working with before applying for our Non- Clinical PhD Studentships.
International Candidates
The University of Manchester aims to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK.
We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries to high-performing EU and international candidates, covering PhD fees only. Bursaries do not include financial support for visa/health surcharges.
We assess each EU and international candidate’s suitability for a bursary at the application and interview stages.
You must hold, or be about to achieve, a First or Upper Second-class honours degree in a relevant subject. A related Master’s degree is also 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.
Applications for this programme are now open. Please submit your application on The University of Manchester application portal.
Key dates
- Applications open: Monday 5th October 2026
- Application deadline (all projects): 12:00pm Monday 23rd November 2026
- Non-Clinical Interviews: Friday 15th January 2027 (in Manchester)
- Start date: September 2027
Useful Links
Submit your application
Interested in applying for this opportunity? Submit your application on The University of Manchester application portal.
Non-Clinical PhD Studentships
Learn more about our Non-Clinical PhD Studentships.
Get in Touch
Contact Dr Yasmin Noori Jenaghard, Postgraduate Programme Manager.
Researcher Stories
Read first-hand experiences of from cancer scientists from across Manchester.
Why Manchester?
Find out why postgraduate students choose to study in Manchester.
A Day in the Life of a Non-Clinical PhD Student
Watch our short video to see what it's like to be a Non-Clinical PhD student in Manchester.