Sano PhD students

Project title: The Role of Structural and Functional Heterogeneity in Digital Twin Hearts

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  • 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.

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.
  • About job:
  • 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 Graz

You will take part in a joint project between Sano Science Institute, University of Graz and University of Sheffield and will be guided by a world class team from these institutions. Your PhD degree will be awarded by the University of Graz.

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 computational mathematics(preferred), physics, biophysics, biomedical physics, or biomedical engineering with a strong mathematics background.

Supervisors:

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

The primary question to be addressed in this project is whether electrophysiological heterogeneity at both structural and functional levels can be incorporated in digital cohort/twin models of the whole human heart. If so, how are we to approach this in Digital Twin models considering two particular examples of inhomogeneous conductance:

  1. i) that due to the arrangement of myocardial fibres;
  2. ii) that due to the Purkinje network.

The aim is to investigate the degree to which structural and functional heterogeneity of conductance at the tissue level affects organ (system) level cardiac dynamics. To this end, methodologies should be devised with the purpose of implementing such heterogeneity using realistic parameterized models and investigating the resultant system dynamics. The phase space of system behaviour is to be discerned and quantified, including specific sensitivity to key parameters in order to provide guidelines on how to incorporate heterogeneity at tissue level in the preparation of patient specific Digital Twin Hearts.

Automatic generation methods and software tools drawing on data available from atlases, ex vivo scanning data and possible imaging techniques anticipated to be available in the near future must be prepared. This is particularly important for identifying the parameters and parameter ranges capturing most controllability/sensitivity in the system, and is thus deemed absolutely essential for the success of the personalized Digital Twin Hearts.

  • 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 Sano employees.
  • What do we require ?

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.
  • Our Offer

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.

  • 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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