Sano PhD students

Project title: Machine learning estimation of pulmonary circulation abnormalities using phase contrast MR and echocardiography

Give us a chance to meet you
  • About us:

Sano Centre for Computational Medicine is a new International Scientific Foundation located in Kraków, Poland.

Sano aspires to be a major translational scientific institute, operating at the meeting point of academic science, established MedTech industry, and emerging start-up environment, combining the best of these three perspectives.

Established with support from the European Commission and the Foundation for Polish Science, Sano aims to be a major driving force behind the advancement of computational medicine for the benefit of healthcare systems worldwide.

Sano acts as a core technology and expertise provider for industry, and creator of innovation, developing state-of-the-art solutions for healthcare. Thanks to the substantial funding and excellent European partnership network, Sano will bring a critical mass to this transformational field of research, in order to translate scientific advancements onto clinical practice. Sano’s ambition is to become the Reference Centre for Computational Medicine in Central Europe and build a reputation as a leading center on a global level.

As a cross-disciplinary institution, Sano uses machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), large scale computer simulations, data science, and other computational technologies towards overcoming global challenges in healthcare systems. The research agenda will be executed in close collaboration with Partners in Poland, EU and USA.

We value:

  • Passion – Passion in what we do, engagement in Sano operations, taking responsibility, providing initiative, being happy at work.
  • Innovation – Boldness in articulating and pursuing novel ideas, courage to think outside the box.
  • Integrity – Directness, openness, tolerance and respect. Scientific integrity (we do not cut corners).
  • Diversity – Diversity in backgrounds, cultures and opinions of Sano employees. Promotion of women in STEM.
  • About job:
  • Publication date: 28.09.2021
  • Closing date: 12.10.2021
  • Level of education: Master's degree
  • Hours: 40 hours per week
  • Salary indication: up to 8000 PLN gross monthly
  • Project start: October 2021
  • Degree Awarding Institution: Warsaw University of Technology

Supervisors:

  • Warsaw University of Technology: Dr. Tomasz Trzciński (1st supervisor)
  • Sano: Dr. Arkadiusz Sitek (Healthcare Informatics Research Group Leader)

Pulmonary hypertension is rare but serious abnormality with complex etiology. With the collaboration with the University of Sheffield we investigate the deep neural networks method to analyze phase-contrast ECG-gated MRI to compute biomarkers of the disease such us pulmonary blood pressure or pulmonary artery (PA) wall stiffness. The potential benefit of such models is the replacement of invasive measurements as well as creating decision support models capable of estimation of rate of disease progression/regression to be used to guide the therapy. Echocardiography is also investigated as an option to MRI. We collect imaging and other relevant data, build and train machine learning and physics-based models which are tested against real-world data. Close collaboration with physicians is maintained.

Aims of the project:

  1. Develop classical (feature based) machine learning models to analyze PH related data.
  2. Develop deep convolutional neural analysis of phase contrast EC-gated MRI of pulmonary artery (PA).
  3. Develop DCN for estimation of PA blood pressure.
  4. Estimate using DCN PA stiffness and investigate other biomarkers for PAH.
  5. Compare DCN performance against classical machine learning methods and computer physical model.
  6. Investigate other modalities (e.g. echocardiography) and use of deep learning methods of assessment of PAH.
  7. Develop decision support models which make treatment recommendation as well as assess therapy effectiveness based on imaging and test data and clinical variables.
  • What are you going to do?

You are expected to:

  • do original research in this field under the direction of the supervisor;
  • participate in the many seminars by internal and external speakers as well as journal clubs and group activities;
  • collaborate with other PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and other Sano employees.
  • What do we require ?

Required background and skills of the candidate:

  • Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in a relevant discipline, such as computer science, biomedical engineering, etc;
  • knowledge of machine learning methods, computer vision, programming skills (Python);
  • any prior research experience in academia or industry;
  • an interest in pursuing applied research.
  • Our Offer

We offer a fixed term contract for 40 hours per week for the duration of 4 years. This will be supported by an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. The contract will include opportunities to participate in teaching and supervision of undergraduate and master students.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be up to 8000 PLN gross per month, based on a full-time contract (40 hours a week) for the duration of 4 years with private medical care and a sports card.

This PhD will be a collaboration between Sano and Warsaw University of Technology. Warsaw University of Technology will be the degree awarding body. The student will be based in Poland, operating in conjunction with the Cyfronet supercomputing centre hosted by AGH.

Sano offers excellent opportunities for study and development, an access to many international conferences on computational medicine and a possibility to grow in a scientific society.

If you feel that this job opportunity is the career that you are looking for, please apply immediately and give Sano a chance to meet you. Please, be informed that Sano will contact only with Candidates fulfilling the formal criteria.

  • Job application

Sano is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application.

Applications in .pdf should include:

  • a cover letter; 
  • a curriculum vitae;
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