The Role of Neurocardiac Interaction in Arrhythmic Digital Twin Hearts

Sano PhD students

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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.

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 institute on a global level.

As a cross-disciplinary institution, Sano uses machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), large scale computer simulations (HPC), 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.

Closing date: 28.02 2022
Level of education: Master's degree
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary indication: up to 8000 PLN gross monthly
Project start: April 2022
Degree Awarding Institution: University of Sheffield

Supervisors:

Sano: Dr Zbigniew R. Struzik (Modelling and Simulation Research Group Leader)

The primary question to be addressed in this project is whether neurocardiac interaction at both Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) level and Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System (ICNS) level can be incorporated in digital cohort/twin models of the whole human heart, in particular those developing arrhythmias. If so, how are we to approach this in Digital Twin models, given sparse information about both the ANS and ICNS at an individual patient level.

Understanding the role that the ICNS plays in controlling cardiac function, and how it interacts with information between the central command centres of the ANS and integrates sensory information from the myocardium could prove crucial for prophylactic and corrective treatments of heart disease. In particular, clusters of cardiac ganglia neurons located on the surface of the heart, collectively termed ganglionated plexuses (GP), are known to be involved in arrhythmias. An array of imaging, modelling and simulation studies should be devised to address the question of whether Digital Twin Heart modelling can incorporate and will benefit from ANS and ICNS control insights. In particular, can we incorporate knowledge of the structure and function of the Intrinsic Nervous System to provide better modelling of arrhythmias? Further, can this knowledge be used to provide guidance in (optimal) ablation of the ganglionated plexuses?

The project is a collaborative project between Sano Science Institute and University of Sheffield.

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 Sano employees.

Required background and skills of the candidate:

Ideally a candidate should possess a 1st Class undergraduate Honours degree or a Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in a relevant discipline, such as physics, biophysics, biomedical physics, or biomedical engineering;
Theory and practice of numerical methods, excellent programming skills (Python, C and similar);
Interest in pursuing cutting edge computational biophysics research;
Fluency in English.

We offer a fixed term contract for 40 hours per week for a 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 the teaching and supervision of undergraduate and master students.

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

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

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;

Sano PhD students