Portable Photoacoustic Imaging for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Project Overview

Many high-impact diseases, such as cancer and vascular disorders, depend on imaging for diagnosis and treatment. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging offers a compelling solution to current limitations by combining the molecular sensitivity of optics with the penetration depth of ultrasound.

In simple terms, a short burst of light enters tissue, where light-absorbing molecules (like hemoglobin) convert that energy into a tiny, rapid thermal expansion. The resulting ultrasound waves are detected and reconstructed into an image. This allows for optically specific imaging deep within tissue, enabling functional measurements of blood oxygenation and vascular structure. PA imaging can also be integrated into a dual-modality platform, pairing ultrasound’s structural context with photoacoustic functional contrast in a single handheld scan.

Despite its promise, PA imaging remains largely confined to specialized labs. A key barrier is practicality: most setups rely on bulky, expensive pulsed lasers and external computing hardware, making them difficult to deploy in clinics or resource-limited environments. Overcoming this gap requires advances in compact light sources, efficient light delivery, signal processing/reconstruction, and system integration to achieve robust, real-time imaging in a portable form factor.

Research Direction

A portable photoacoustic–ultrasound probe could enable imaging in settings where hospital-grade systems aren’t practical, for example, for use in pre-hospital care or rural clinics. By focusing on a handheld, clinic-ready platform, this project aims to broaden access to functional imaging in remote and regional areas.

This PhD will systematically develop a dependable photoacoustic imaging system for point-of-care deployment.You will develop and validate methods to enhance system performance (e.g., sensitivity, stability, and reconstruction reliability), and use a portable prototype as a testbed to evaluate those methods in realistic conditions.

The research is organised around three challenges:

• Physics: simulation and design optimisation for light delivery, imaging depth, and resolution.

• Hardware: development of compact multi-wavelength illumination (e.g., laser diodes or LEDs) in form factors suited to portable or wearable use.

• Algorithms: reconstruction methods for low-signal data to improve stability and enable quantitative clinical measures.

Who We’re Looking For

This project is fundamentally multidisciplinary. We are looking for a hands-on researcher who is excited to work at the intersection of hardware, physics, and software. You will be well-prepared for this PhD if you have strong coding skills (Python / Matlab) for signal processing or image reconstruction, and experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Hardware: Hands-on skills in electronics design and prototyping (PCB/soldering).

• Physics: Experience with optics (LEDs/lasers) or acoustics (ultrasound) in the lab.

The Opportunity

This is a contestable, fully-funded, three-year PhD position based in the School of Computer Science at University of Auckland. The PhD application will be submitted to the Dodd-Walls Centre, which will select the funded applications.

Applications are welcome from both domestic and international candidates. If you are shortlisted to apply, you will work with us to develop the research proposal for submission. The application deadline is in mid-April, and outcomes are expected to be announced in mid to late May. The start date is flexible, but we anticipate the PhD will commence in the second half of 2026.

The successful applicant will receive a PhD scholarship comprising a stipend of NZ$34,569 per annum and full coverage of tuition fees. Additional funding is available to support the research programme, including travel to conferences and visits to collaborators.

The candidate will be supervised by Dr Talia Xu and Dr Jami Shepherd at the University of Auckland. We encourage applications from candidates with a strong background in biomedical engineering, computer and electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or a closely related field.

To apply, please email the following items directly to Talia  (talia.xu@auckland.ac.nz) by April 1st. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

• A brief statement of interest (1 page): Please explain why you are interested in this specific project and how your skills and background are a good fit. Please highlight your past research and work experiences.

• A CV

• A copy of your academic transcript(s). Please calculate your GPE and include them in your message. https://www.gpecalculator.auckland.ac.nz/