About the Project

Imagine faster, clearer MRI scans that can accurately map blood flow in the heart and blood vessels. Simulation-Based Imaging (SBI) is a cutting-edge technology that combines medical imaging with advanced computer simulations to overcome the limitations of current 4D-Flow MRI scans, which can be slow, noisy, and low in resolution. By integrating blood-flow physics directly into the image reconstruction process, SBI aims to generate sharper and more detailed images while significantly reducing scan times.

This PhD project will develop and validate a novel SBI framework for cardiovascular imaging. The research will combine computational fluid dynamics (CFD), medical imaging, high-performance computing, and experimental validation to create next-generation imaging tools for cardiovascular disease.

Main Aim

To develop a new Simulation-Based Imaging framework that combines MRI data with advanced blood-flow simulations to produce faster, higher-resolution, and more clinically useful cardiovascular imaging.

Key Objectives

• Develop a novel SBI framework that integrates blood-flow physics with MRI reconstruction.
• Create ultra-high-resolution cardiovascular flow images using computational simulations.
• Validate the technology using synthetic data, laboratory experiments, and patient imaging datasets.
• Demonstrate the potential of SBI to improve cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment planning.

Application Specifications

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Candidates should hold a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree (2.1) or international equivalent in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Physics, Computational Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Essential Requirements

• First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (2.1) or international equivalent in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Physics, Computational Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrable knowledge of medical image processing and/or computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Proficiency in at least one relevant software environment, such as MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, OpenFOAM, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical, computational, and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Genuine interest in cardiovascular biomechanics, medical imaging, and computational medicine.
• Willingness to undertake both computational and experimental research, including the design, construction, and testing of cardiovascular flow phantoms for MRI validation studies.
• Ability to work with pumps, tubing systems, blood-mimicking fluids, and 3D-printed vascular models to recreate physiological blood flow conditions in a laboratory environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Desirable Requirements

• Familiarity with finite element, finite volume, or other numerical simulation methods.
• Experience with cardiovascular flow experiments, flow-loop systems, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), or experimental fluid mechanics.
• Experience in designing, manufacturing, or testing physical phantoms, including the use of 3D printing technologies.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, pumps, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Evidence of scientific writing, such as a thesis, dissertation, conference paper, journal publication, or technical report.
• Interest in translational research and the development of technologies with clinical impact.