Director of Studies (DoS):
Dr Daniela Oehring , Associate Professor of Vision Systems and Translational Science, School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth.
2nd Supervisor:
Mr Adam Kyte , Lecturer in Engineering, University of Plymouth.
3rd Supervisor:
Professor Mona Nasser , Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Oral Health Research, University of Plymouth.
4th Supervisor:
Dr Dena Bazazian , Lecturer in Robotics and Machine Vision, University of Plymouth.
5th Supervisor: Prof. Ahmed Elsheikh, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, University of Liverpool.
Applications are invited for a fully funded three-year PhD studentship sponsored by Carl Zeiss AG. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026; applications are also welcome for a 1 January 2027 start.
Project description
This fully funded PhD studentship will develop and validate 3D-OCT-based tools for characterising the shape of the posterior eye. Traditional ocular biometry focuses on axial length, corneal curvature and anterior chamber depth, yet the shape of the posterior eye – the retina and underlying sclera – carries critical diagnostic and prognostic information. Recent advances in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) now make it possible to capture detailed, in vivo representations of posterior curvature.
The project will establish optimised OCT acquisition and de-warping methods, build robust segmentation and curvature-analysis algorithms, and validate clinically meaningful shape metrics in ex vivo and in vivo studies. Applications span myopia progression, glaucoma, macular degeneration and surgical planning (including intraocular lens selection and laser refractive procedures).
Working in the
Faculty of Health and in partnership with Carl Zeiss AG and the ZEISS Innovation Hub, the successful candidate will gain interdisciplinary training spanning clinical vision science, biomedical engineering, advanced image processing and machine learning. The studentship suits a candidate with a strong background in optometry, physics, engineering, computer science or a related discipline, and an interest in translational medical-device research.
The work is structured in three phases: protocol development and ex vivo validation; algorithm refinement and an in vivo pilot; and clinical application, including a methodology for a normative database of posterior-shape metrics.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Daniela Oehring (daniela.oehring@plymouth.ac.uk).
Eligibility
Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Master’s qualification.
This is a highly interdisciplinary PhD project at the interface of biomedical engineering, imaging science, and clinical ophthalmology. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering or computational sciences, with a keen interest in medical imaging, translational vision research, and healthcare innovation. They will join a dynamic supervisory team with strong academic and industrial links, including Carl Zeiss AG, working on cutting-edge challenges in ocular biometry and personalised diagnostics.
Essential criteria:
- A first-class or upper second-class degree (or international equivalent) in one of: Software Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Electrical/Optical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; or Computer Science with a focus on imaging or applied data science.
- Demonstrated experience in one or more of: medical or optical imaging (e.g. OCT, MRI, CT); image processing and analysis of 2D/3D data; computational modelling, simulation, or optical system design.
- Proficiency in programming for data analysis and algorithm development (e.g. Python, MATLAB).
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to critically evaluate technical and scientific literature.
- Excellent communication skills and willingness to work in a cross-disciplinary, collaborative environment.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience with machine learning or pattern recognition methods.
- Familiarity with wavefront sensing, ray tracing, or digital eye modelling.
- Exposure to medical device development or regulatory research environments.
- Understanding of clinical study design or experience working with human or animal data.
- Knowledge of ocular anatomy, vision science, or translational healthcare applications.
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
The studentship is fully funded by Carl Zeiss AG for 3 years and includes a tax-free stipend of £20,176 per annum (year 1), rising to £21,185 (year 2) and £21,926 (year 3), together with full tuition fees and a bench-fee allowance of £2,500 per year. Both Home and International applicants are fully funded: the award covers Home tuition fees (£5,238 in 2026/27) or Overseas tuition fees (£19,315 in 2026/27) as applicable.
There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.
- The studentship is funded for three years. The subsequent registration period (up to a fourth year) is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period for thesis completion.
- Working part-time while receiving a stipend at the University of Plymouth is generally permitted, provided it does not conflict with the terms of your funding or visa requirements.
- Full-time jobs cannot be held alongside a full-time stipend.
- International students are generally limited to 20 hours of work per week.
How to apply
To apply, please select the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application
- CV / résumé
- Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
- Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying).
- Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
Please view a list of
supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our
how to apply for a research degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College at research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is 20 August 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview the week after. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
ZEISS Microscopy
Faculty of Health