PhD Student

Job description

This PhD position relates to the Horizon Europe InSilicoHealth project, an innovative Doctoral Network (DN) with the ambition to train a new generation of outstanding Doctoral Candidates (DC) that will become effective translators of the rapidly evolving digital technology to tackle existing and future challenges related with healthy ageing in Europe. The research focus of this DN lies in three key domains: the brain, heart, and musculoskeletal (MSK) systems. In the realm of digital technology, InSilicoHealth specifically focuses on virtual human twin (VHT) technology to enhance our understanding of the age-related adaptive changes of the complex human body through predictive multi-scale simulations. The research methodology employs knowledge-driven models enhanced by advanced data-driven inference techniques to optimize the health potential of older individuals.

This specific position, a joint PhD between Ghent University and TU Delft (wil also strong involvement from KU Leuven), relates to the heart and more specifically on the ultrasound-based technique of shear wave elastography to characterize the heart. Shear wave elastography visualizes the heart using ultrasound at a high frame rate (up to 5 kHz – 100x the frame rate of conventional echocardiographic imaging), which allows for the detection of shear waves that travel along the cardiac wall. Shear waves can be induced naturally by mitral or aortic valve closure for example (see figure). An interesting property of these shear waves is that their propagation speed is intrinsically linked to the operational stiffness of the tissue in which they propagate. There is increasing and encouraging evidence to support the potential clinical use of shear wave elastography in heart diseases characterized by stiffening due to fibrosis, but its interpretation might be more complex. However, the fundamental wave physics underlying the natural shear wave measurements remain relatively unexplored. Additionally, the layered fiber structure of the myocardium makes the mechanical properties position- and direction dependent, and the cyclic function of the heart leads to time- and loading-dependent changes. The settings of the ultrasound machine itself and biological factors (e.g. age) can also affect the relationship between wave propagation speed and myocardial stiffness.

This PhD project will focus on building a three-dimensional multi-physics in silico health solution of the contracting heart to disentangle the relationship between wave propagation speed and myocardial stiffness in the ageing heart. The model will provide insights into the interaction of the different cofounding factors of cardiac shear wave elastography, which will allow to optimize shear wave post-processing tools and potentially propose new relevant biomarkers. Experimental data of shear wave imaging will be available in healthy volunteers and heart patients from the Cardiovascular Imaging and Dynamics lab at KU Leuven (co-promoter Annette Caenen) for validation of the model. The candidate will work closely with the Peirlinck lab at TU Delft (co-promoter Mathias Peirlinck) to exchange cardiac modeling expertise and with GE (Dr Gunnar Hansen) to support translation of the developed tools into the clinical settings. Daily activities will take place in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology at Ghent university.

Planned secondments include research stays at
· TUDelft (June year 2, 6 months): Focused on broadening the methodological portfolio of the DC for in silico modelling of the heart.
· GE Vingmed (June year 3, 5 months): Aimed to gain knowledge on state-of-the-art clinical ultrasound systems developed at GE, and the possibility to directly translate some of the methodological developments from the DC’s research project into this state-of-the-art technology.

Job profile

• You have completed a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering or applied physics or possess corresponding qualifications that could provide a basis for successfully completing a doctorate.
• Specialization in soft tissue biomechanics, continuum mechanics and/or ultrasound physics will be beneficial.
• You have a keen interest in modelling and simulation, ultrasound imaging and cardiology.
• You have proven your proficiency in English language equivalent to B2 level.
• You did not reside or carry out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institution's country for more than 12 months in the three years before 1st of January 2025.
• You are ambitious, well organized, a team player, and have excellent communication skills.
• You can work independently and have a critical mindset.
• You are a pro-active and motivated person, eager to participate in network-wide training events, international mobility, and public dissemination activities.
• Previous experience in multi-physics modelling combining biomechanics with ultrasound physics, ventricle models, synthetic Radiofrequent data for ultrasonic imaging, and/or finite element modelling of hemodynamics, wall mechanics and shear wave propagation is not essential but considered a plus.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/01/2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession), academic records of the bachelor and master degree and a motivation letter to patrick.segers@ugent.be.