Training and MD/PhD opportunities in Cardiovascular Imaging

The  Biomedical Imaging Science Department in Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM) in collaboration with the Department of Cardiology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust are offering opportunities for clinical and non-clinical research degrees as well as clinical training in Cardiovascular Imaging.  

Cardiovascular imaging plays an increasing role in the early diagnosis and management of heart and vascular disease. Our research is centred on developing cardiovascular imaging methods that have the potential to improve patient’s lives and then take these developments all the way through from bench to bedside. And our clinical training programme aims to provide doctors with access to state-of-the-art education in cardiovascular imaging and enable them to become clinical leaders in the field

About us 

The Biomedical Imaging Science Department at the University of Leeds 
The Biomedical Imaging Science Department is a multi-disciplinary research and teaching group dedicated to the development, clinical translation and clinical application of innovative biomedical imaging methods. We are part of the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM), which is focused on discovering new principles for detecting, treating and preventing heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. We also deliver cutting-edge student education so that the next generation is equipped to overcome diseases of this type. 

The Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust (LTHT) 
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe, a regional and national centre for specialist treatment, a world-renowned biomedical research facility, a leading clinical trials research unit and also the local hospital for the Leeds community. LTHT have access to some of the country's leading clinical expertise and the most advanced medical technology in the world. It provides local and specialist services for our immediate population of 770,000 and regional specialist care for up to 5.4 million people. 

The cardiac services include the largest Transcatheter Aortic valve Implantation (TAVI) and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) services in the country and host state of the art facilities for investigation and treatment of heart rhythm disorders; they provide care for around 8,000 patients admitted acutely and 2,500 patients admitted for planned (elective) treatments each year. In addition, there are 15,000 attendances each year to our outpatient services. 

The Cardiovascular Imaging clinical service is embedded in the Cardiology Department at LTHT. The department performs more than 3,500 clinical CMR scans yearly, 1,500 paediatric/congenital CMR scans, 1200 CT coronary angiograms in addition to a large number of gated scans for valvular heart disease supporting the largest TAVI programme in the country. The Echocardiography department performs more than 25,000 transthoracic studies, 4,000 stress echocardiograms, 500 transoesophageal echocardiograms, congenital and paediatric scans and has all the current methodology. The department is supported by 9 imaging consultants cardiologist dedicated to cardiovascular imaging and with a broad range of expertise. 

Imaging  Facilities 
Our world-class imaging facilities [insert link] are shared between the University and hospital to maximise patient benefit and optimise the clinical research set-up. Our facilities include: 

• A dedicated clinical MRI research facility with the latest generation 1.5 T and 3 T MRI scanners (Philips and Siemens) 
• Clinical CT, SPECT, PET/CT scanners 
• A very large cardiac ultrasound department offering all current echocardiographic methods 
• A state-of-the-art preclinical imaging facility (ePIC) with high-field MRI, optical imaging, CT, and PET/SPECT. 

These facilities support major translational imaging programmes and provide opportunities for researchers and clinicians with experience in preclinical and molecular imaging.  

For further detail see our facilities directory and the Clinical Imaging page [insert link]. 

Why train in Cardiovascular Imaging in Leeds? 

• Experienced multi-disciplinary research and supervisor team 
• World-leading expertise in cardiovascular imaging 
• Large tertiary cardiology centre  
• State of the art clinical imaging facilities 
• Dedicated preclinical imaging centre 

MD/PhD opportunities in Cardiovascular Imaging for clinicians  

We offer opportunities for clinicians to undertake an MD or PhD in Cardiovascular Imaging at the University of Leeds. We regularly offer funded positions and consider self-funded applications from suitable applicants. 

Programme 
The programme aims to offer clinicians the opportunity to undertake research and obtain a higher degree in cardiovascular imaging by being part of a world-leading research team. The programme is mostly delivered in the clinical imaging facilities but may involve collaboration with basic science, physics and other specialties. Over the past 25 years, more than 40 clinicians have completed an MD or PhD in cardiovascular imaging in Leeds and now lead clinical and research groups around the world.  

Start date 
Start dates are available throughout the year 

Entry requirements 
Entry requirements vary with the position on offer, but usually include: 

• Clinical trainee or accredited in cardiology, radiology or an affiliated specialty 

• Basic experience in cardiovascular imaging 

• GMC registration, or eligibility for GMC registration 

• Experience in research (e.g. BSc, publications) 

Programme structure 
The programme offers a dedicated support system including administrative support, research support (including dedicated research nurses), a physics team for troubleshooting, clinical scientists for scanner troubleshooting and senior clinical expertise. Training is both theoretical and hands on and includes clinical training in the chosen imaging modality.  

Year 1 
Year one of the programme involves setting up the project, setting up or completing ethical and other approvals, learning about imaging acquisition and analysis methods, underpinning physics and basic research methods. There will be regular meetings with the supervisors and opportunities to ensure progress towards the learning objectives.  

Years 2 (& 3) 
Years two and three are usually focused on patient recruitment, data analysis and writing up studies for publication. The last 6 months of the programme are dedicated to writing up the thesis for submission. 

Research projects 
The programme provides opportunities in different cardiovascular imaging modalities, although most projects focus on MRI. Our research covers all aspects of cardiovascular disease, and projects can be tailored to the subspecialty interest of the student.  

How to apply for a clinical PhD or MD  

Funded MD/PhD positions: We typically offer 2-3 clinical MD/PhD positions per year. These positions will be advertised nationally and on social media and are open to all qualified applicants. If you would like to be alerted to upcoming opportunities, please contact [insert link]. 
International PhD Academy in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease: This scheme is particularly suitable for international students with their own funding who have minimal research experience. Please see [insert link] for further details.  

Useful links for applicants  
British Heart Foundation - information for researchers 
Medical Research Council - funding information  
Wellcome Trust - funding information 
BHF 4 years PhD programme

PhD opportunities for academics and students 

This programme aims to teach early-stage researchers to apply imaging tools of clinical investigation to test hypotheses about human pathophysiology in vivo. 

Programme 
The cardiovascular imaging PhD programme aims to foster the best future leaders in translational imaging research. The team of internationally recognised experts from preclinical to clinical science in a high-end environment with cutting edge imaging techniques will allow students/fellows to develop. Students/fellows will be encouraged to engage with other disciplines including computing, engineering, mathematics to develop personalised imaging biomarkers. 

Start date 
Unspecified (throughout the year) 

Entry requirements 

• Applications are welcome from individuals with or expecting to obtain, at least 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in a subject relevant to your proposed field of research.   
• British Council IELTS of score 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in other skill areas (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking). This qualification must be less than 2 years old at the start of the degree course 
• Degree in a related subject 
• Master’s preferable, but not essential 
   

Programme structure 

The programme offers a dedicated support system including administrative support, research support (including dedicated research nurses), a physics team for troubleshooting, Siemens and Philips dedicated scientists for scanner troubleshooting and senior clinical expertise. You will benefit from a robust mentoring system and senior supervision every step of the way with weekly meetings. 

Year 1 

• Year one of the programme involves setting up your project as well as attending weekly educational training sessions. You will also attend imaging seminars with researchers across the university and the National Health Service. The programme offers both practical hands on and clinical activities. 
• You will be expected to familiarise yourself with research tools and software needed for research analysis and should be confident to analyse the data collected. 
• During the programme, you will meet with your supervisors on a weekly basis to discuss solutions to possible difficulties, as well as receiving support and mentorship. 

Years 2, 3 & 4 

• In year two and three you will focus exclusively on your PhD project with ongoing training as required. 
• By the end of year two, you will have to prepare a ‘transfer’. 
• In year four you will finalise your research and commence the writing of your thesis, ready for submission. 

Research projects 

The programme provides opportunities in experimental medicine, development and evaluation of novel MRI techniques, imaging biomarker development and stratified medicine in cardiovascular medicine. Successful recruits to the programme will have the opportunity to match a project suitable to their medical career goals, to be undertaken during a three to four year PhD. 

How to apply for a PhD or MD (Res) within the department 
There are several ways to apply for a PhD. Choose from the options below for further application information specific to each pathway. The first step is to identify and contact a supervisor and define a research project. Selected potential students/fellows will be invited to visit the department and meet with potential colleagues and supervisors. 

Full-time students (Students funded through Research Council, Industry or Charity studentships, or those who are self-funding) 
The Biomedical Sciences Department is interested in hearing from potential applicants to this scheme. If you are thinking of applying, please contact the CRM fellowship inbox. 
Tuition fees, research consumables and salary will all be funded by the scheme. 
For further details on postgraduate study at the University of Leeds find further details on the Faculty of Medicine and Health Graduate School.  

Useful links for applicants :
British Heart Foundation - information for researchers 
Medical Research Council - funding information  
Wellcome Trust - funding information 

Further Fellowship Schemes 
BHF 4 years PhD programme
This programme is specifically for projects with a research interest in basic preclinical science. Tuition fees, research consumables and salary will all be funded by the scheme. 

Clinical imaging fellowships 
1-2 year Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship 

This fellowship is designed to train cardiovascular specialists in advanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Cardiovascular Computed Tomography and/or Echocardiography. Whilst clinically focused, it offers opportunities to be involved in research. At the end of the fellowship, trainees will be trained in at least one of the modalities suitable for Level three certification and have a foundation in imaging research. 

• Duration: one to two years.  

• Funding: Self-funded (e.g. external fellowship schemes such as those awarded by the ESC, EACVI, SCMR or other organisations). Applicants without external funding will not be accepted to this programme. 

• Fees: No fees are charged for this fellowship.  

• Applicants: UK or International Cardiology or Radiology trainees seeking higher cardiovascular imaging training. Basic imaging knowledge is a prerequisite. 

• Clinical training: The programme is designed to offer clinical training in one or more of following imaging modalities: CMR/CT/Echocardiography. Training in Nuclear Imaging can be provided on request. Activities will include direct observation/performance/supervision of exams, formal coursework, interdisciplinary meetings and regular reporting sessions with the experts.  

• Research: participation in imaging research is encouraged and mentorship will be arranged in agreement with the fellows in consideration of their scientific interests. As part of the research activities, participation in specialist courses and submission of abstracts to imaging conferences is encouraged. 

Short term Fellowships in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance  
The short-term cardiovascular imaging fellowships are intended for fellows/consultants who wish to expand their knowledge and obtain Level 2/3 certification. 

Programme 

• Duration: 3 to 12 months 

• Funding: Self-funded 

• Fees: Fees may apply and depend on duration and nature of your study, applicants must self-fund this fellowship and a list of potential grants is featured below. For further information on fees please contact the CMR fellowship inbox. 

• Applicants: UK or International cardiology or Radiology trainees or consultants. International applicants must demonstrate a good knowledge of English. 

The programme is focused on bespoke, personalised training and support and includes:  

• Educational training covering weekly sessions on MRI physics, basic principles of pulse sequence design, scanner interfaces, and protocol optimization 

• Clinical: the CMR department performs >3,500 clinical CMR scans/year. Opportunities for clinical training encompass a broad array of cardiac clinical MRI applications, including imaging related to acute myocardial infarction/viability assessment, stress perfusion, heart failure/cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease; training will include a variety of CMR techniques, from standard to novel, such as quantitative mapping, dynamic contrast enhancement imaging, 4D flow. Trainees will be expected to actively participate in biweekly case review sessions with internationally recognised CMR clinician-scientists. 

• Regular reporting sessions with world leading experts. 

• Practical: covering hands-on MRI practice on console. Practice will include a period of training followed by independent scanning. 

• Research:  opportunities will arise from a vast spectrum of studies including clinical trials, translational studies, pulse sequence development (diffusion tensor imaging, 4D flow, spectroscopy), validation and optimization studies, computational modelling/post processing algorithms. Training in clinical and translational research techniques will be provided by faculty in cardiology, radiology, physics, and biomedical engineering, with opportunities for multiple publications (the trainee is expected to have published at least 1 review paper during the fellowship with more opportunities for multiple co-authorships).  Funding will be provided to present research (accepted abstracts) at approved extramural conferences (e.g. SCMR, BCS, BSCMR) as well as authorship of manuscripts in high impact journals. 

How to apply for clinical cardiovascular imaging training fellowship 

Applicants should email the following supporting documentation to the CMR fellowship inbox. 

• Cover letter indicating the reason for applying 

• Full CV 

Useful links 

ESC training grants 
EACVI grants 
SCMR training grant 
Marie Curie grants 
New Zealand Heart Foundation  
Faculty of Medicine and Health Graduate School 
British Heart Foundation - information for researchers 
Medical Research Council - funding information  
Wellcome Trust - funding information