CSIRO Industry PhD: Generalisation of the radiotherapy atlas contouring (TRAC) tool: developing advanced auto-segmentation for radiotherapy

This project will develop AI tools to both define and check medical image segmentations in radiotherapy clinical trials and clinical practice. The expected outcome is to develop quality assurance tools from artificial intelligence techniques and data from multiple medical imaging modalities. This project will have potential to improve patient outcomes and ensure effective implementation of advanced radiotherapy technologies and clinical trials.

Program includes:

1. Admission to a university PhD program.
2. Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
3. A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $47,000 per annum (2025 rate).  
4. A four year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum. 
5. A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner. 
6. A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Project details:

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia. 

Further details can be found here Generalisation of the radiotherapy atlas contouring (TRAC) tool: developing advanced auto-segmentation for radiotherapy

Supervisory team details:

University

CSIRO

Industry 1

Industry 2 

Essential student skillset

• A background in machine learning and/or imaging seeking to push boundaries in building AI models, working alongside clinical experts.
• A master’s or bachelor’s degree with honours in, computer science, engineering, physics or equivalent.
• Proficient programming, data analysis and image processing.
• Strong communication skills within multi-disciplinary and virtual environments.
• The ability to work within the required ethics and clinical setting.

Ideal skills:

• An understanding of clinical data including imaging.
• Knowledge of machine learning and statistical modelling.
• Knowledge of radiotherapy processes.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Eligibility Requirements 

1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.  
2. Meet participating university PhD admission requirements. 
3. Meet university English language requirements. 
4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer. 
6. Enrol as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy.
7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures. 
8. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements. 
9. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to NSW Health and associated mandatory requirements.

Application Process 

1. Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI), CV, transcripts and your motivation to Conjoint Professor Lois Holloway
2. The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed. 
3. The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant and informs iPhD office.
4. The nominated applicant will be instructed to apply. 
5. The application is then assessed by the host university against PhD admission criteria. 
6. The university will issue a letter of offer for the program if all conditions have been satisfied.  

How to apply

Please submit an EOI to Conjoint Professor Lois Holloway and see the CSIRO for more information.

For project specific information, contact the nominated supervisors for the project listed above.