Interested in PhD study at the ABI? Join our webinar this Thursday to find out more and ask any questions you might have.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide. Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) provides a precise and effective treatment option, delivered in fewer sessions compared to conventional radiation therapy. While SABR has demonstrated high five-year tumor control rates, the risk of local recurrence increases over time, and current monitoring relies on periodic blood tests, which may not detect early signs of recurrence.

To address these challenges, our team is advancing precision radiation therapy for prostate cancer through the Biologically Targeted Radiation Therapy (BiRT) project. Our goal is to personalize treatment by mapping the patient-specific spatial distribution of cancer using advanced imaging techniques such as multiparametric MRI and PET/CT. Towards this goal we have been running a clinical trial to develop quantitative MRI and radiomics-based biomarkers, which can assess early response to SABR more accurately than standard blood testing. The development of robust imaging biomarkers would enable early interventions that target radio-resistant disease, to limit the risk of disease progression.

Desired skills

• A Bachelors degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or related discipline
• Strong image processing and programming skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work on their own and as part of a team

Find out more about this project and other projects on our website here.

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute - breaking boundaries in bioengineering for more than 20 years

At the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), we apply engineering and technical innovation to advancing medical care, human capability, and understanding of human physiology. Our team of world-renowned researchers are working on everything from artificial intelligence avatars, to implantable devices, to digital models of the human body. Our focus on research excellence and commercialisation adds value to society and to the global economy.

Our research makes a real difference in the world. We’ve designed sensors to diagnose stomach disease without needing invasive surgery; developed a tiny wireless implantable device to measure brain pressure and save the lives of children with hydrocephalus; and we lead the world in building digital models of the human body which will enhance personalised medicine approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Join our team of researchers for a postgraduate degree and together we can make a difference. Our graduates are amongst the most employable in the world - many either continue their career in research, find employment with industry leaders such as Rocket Lab or Fisher & Paykel, or launch their own startup companies.

Our students come from over 50 different countries and a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Science.

Want to know what our students think about studying at the ABI? Watch this video!