PhD in Hybrid AI and Bayesian Systems for Toxicology Interpretation at King's College London
King’s College London is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship within the EPSRC DRIVE-Health Doctoral Training Partnership, starting October 2026. The project, co-supervised by Dr Matteo Gallidabino and Dr Vincenzo Abbate, focuses on developing a hybrid AI and Bayesian expert system for case-level toxicology interpretation. This research aims to combine explainable artificial intelligence with domain knowledge to improve clinical and forensic decision-making, particularly in interpreting toxicology results where individual case factors and uncertainty play a significant role.
The project will create a hybrid framework uniting object-oriented Bayesian networks (OOBNs) with modern machine learning, including neural-ODE models for patient-specific pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The system will deliver transparent, uncertainty-calibrated, and explainable outputs for toxicological findings, supporting clinicians and forensic experts. Initial development will focus on substances like ethanol, with later extension to other drugs.
Candidates should have a strong background in data science, AI, machine learning, statistics, toxicology, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, engineering, or quantitative disciplines with an interest in healthcare or forensic applications. Applicants must possess or expect to achieve a first or upper second class degree in a relevant subject. International applicants are welcome but must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, no component below 6.0) and are responsible for visa and health surcharge fees. Some may require ATAS clearance.
The studentship is fully funded for 4 years, covering tuition fees for both Home and International students, a tax-free stipend of £25,403.40 per year (projected for 2026/27), and up to £20,000 for research consumables and conference attendance. Visa application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year) are not covered.
To apply, candidates should create an account with King’s Apply, apply to the EPSRC DRIVE-Health: Centre for Doctoral Training in Data-Driven Health MPhil/PhD (Full-time), and quote the project code in their application. A CV and a 500-word personal statement outlining motivation are required. Select funding option 5 and enter 'EPSRC DRIVE-Health 2026' in the funding section. The application deadline is 12 January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in March/April 2026.
For project-specific queries, contact the main supervisor. For general recruitment questions, email [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in AI, Bayesian networks, toxicology, forensic science, and interdisciplinary healthcare research at a leading UK institution.