Dissecting the Multi-scale Mechanisms of Cardiac Arrhythmias Through Computational Modelling (Biological Physics / Biophysics / Biomedical Engineering - Self Funded Project)

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Disorders such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation affect millions of people in the U.K. alone, significantly reducing quality of life and life-expectancy at a serious cost to society and the healthcare system. Current treatment options for preventing and managing cardiac disorders may provide positive results, but are yet sub-optimal. There is therefore a pressing need to develop improved prevention and management of a wide range of symptomatic cardiac abnormalities.

Computational modelling has become an increasingly powerful approach in the wider effort to diagnose, understand and treat cardiac disorders. Through integrating experimental and simulation techniques, we have the possibility to tease apart the complex and multi-scale mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias (conditions in which the heart presents irregularities in its rhythm) and discover improved treatment strategies. A major challenge is in understanding the role of microscopic fluctuations in the development of arrhythmic cellular behaviour, and dissecting the mechanisms of propagation of cellular abnormalities to organ-scale arrhythmia.

This project provides a candidate with the opportunity to use state-of-the-art cardiac models and a unique multi-scale approach to investigate the role of microscopic fluctuations in calcium handling proteins in the development of single-cell and ultimately organ-scale arrhythmic behaviour. The project will work alongside the supervisor’s Fellowship Grant and therefore significant support will be available in the development and application of the models.

The group contains experimental researchers in multiple areas and employing a wide range of cellular- and tissue-level techniques, as well as computational modellers. Many opportunities are therefore available to integrate experimental data in close collaboration, improving the models and applying them to real-world biomedical problems. The precise direction of the later stage of the project can be led by the candidate’s developing interests over the course of the degree.

Expert training will be provided in:
• Cardiac electrophysiology
• The development of mathematical models of cardiac electrophysiology
• Stochastic and multi-scale modelling techniques, applicable to a wide range of biophysical phenomena
With the option for experience in experimental techniques such as cellular monitoring and cardiac imaging and reconstruction.

We seek high-calibre graduates with a good degree (First/strong Upper Second Class) in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering (including Chemical Engineering) or Mathematics with computer programming proficiency and mathematical skills, who have an interest in the application of techniques to biomedical challenges. Candidates from a Biological Sciences background will be considered providing evidence of experience in computer programming and mathematics. An ideal candidate will have experience in statistical physics techniques and modelling approaches, but this is not essential and can be taught during the degree.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Michael Colman at [Email Address Removed]