PhD Project in Cardiovascular Bioengineering: Modelling cardiovascular dynamics during the birth transition in normal and at-risk babies

As soon as a baby is born, the locus of respiration must shift from the placenta to the lungs. This transition involves profound and rapid changes in the cardiovascular system, which are still not fully understood given the ethical and practical challenges of measuring and manipulating key physiological parameters. This means that current medical practices for delivering at-risk babies may not be optimised, with birth-related complications associated with prematurity, birth asphyxia and congenital heart disease frequently leading to brain haemorrhage, life-long health/neurodevelopmental problems and death.

The Heart Research group at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute is at the forefront of research into birth transition dynamics. A PhD project is available for an outstanding student to develop a state-of-the-art computational model of cardiovascular transitions at birth. This project will benefit from our established expertise in fetal and post-birth cardiovascular modelling and a large database of high quality experimental data of birth transition dynamics. The student will incorporate new components into an established modelling framework and will use the model to investigate how the delivery and/or resuscitation of at-risk babies may be optimised.

Students will be enrolled through the University of Melbourne and will work within the Heart Research group at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. Applicants will be required to apply for a competitive scholarship such as the Graduate Research Scholarship from the University of Melbourne. The Institute offers extensive student support, including travel and top-up scholarships that can be applied for internally.

Who can apply? Applications are welcome from applicants who meet the following criteria:
• Domestic or international students eligible for a Graduate Research Scholarship (https://studenteforms.app.unimelb.edu.au/apex/f?p=153:2:0:::2:P2_ID:641) from the University of Melbourne (or similar).
• Meet the entry criteria for a Doctoral (Research) degree at the University of Melbourne (http://mdhs-study.unimelb.edu.au/degrees/doctor-of-philosophy/entry-requirements#entry-requirements)
• Hold qualifications in engineering, mathematics or physics (preferably with a biomedical major). Experience with computer programming (e.g. Matlab, python), physiological modelling and numerical methods is preferred. Excellent written communication skills are required.

To apply, please email Dr Jonathan Mynard and attach your CV, academic transcript(s), and evidence of research experience if available, such as publications or reports.

For more information about our Cardiovascular Bioengineering team, see www.cvbmcri.com/