Vascular calcification – the deposition of calcium into the arterial walls - has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and impairments such as myocardial infarct, stroke, cognitive decline and dementia. However, the biomechanical mechanisms involved in vascular calcification and how vascular calcifications trigger the clinical events are poorly understood. This PhD project aims at developing computational models (computational fluid dynamics and finite element models) to unravel these mechanisms and the link to the clinical events. The models to be developed in the project will be informed by the existing in-vitro experimental and in-vivo patient imaging data and will be used to study the complex haemodynamic phenomena involved. The work will contribute to an improved clinical and scientific understanding of vascular calcification and the link to the associated clinical events, potentially opening new streams for disease prevention, early diagnostic, and improved interventions.

The PhD candidate will be jointly supervised by dr. ir. Ali Akyildiz and dr. ir. Selene Pirola at the Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, both experts in cardiovascular biomechanics. Within this project, the PhD candidate is expected to operate within a multidisciplinary team of engineers, biomedical scientists, and clinicians (cardiologists, radiologists, neurologists) from Delft University of Technology and Erasmus Medical Centre (Rotterdam). The outcomes of this project will be disseminated to the scientific community and to a general audience through presentations at (inter) national conferences and through publications in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, the candidate is expected to take part in educational activities within the department (assist in teaching, act as a mentor for master students, supervise master thesis work, … ).

Department
The Department of BioMechanical Engineering coordinates the Education and Research activities in the field of Mechanical Engineering techniques, like modeling and design, to analyze the interaction between biological and technical systems.

Keywords: biomechanics, haemodynamics, vascular calcification (deposition, growth, link to clinical events), arteriosclerosis, computational modelling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), fluid-structure interaction (FSI), finite element modelling (FEM).

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to conduct multidisciplinary doctoral research on computational modelling of vascular calcification. The potential candidates are expected to:

• Have a strong interest in fluid and solid mechanics and biology (in particular for cardiovascular applications),
• Hold or about to obtain a MSc degree from a technical program such as engineering, applied physics or applied mathematics or similar,
• Have a background in computational mechanics modelling (CFD, FEM and/or FSI),
• Demonstrate a good level of programming skills (Python, Fortran, C++, Matlab or equivalent),
• Be creative, a team player and eager to take initiative,
• Have good communication skills, and be fluent in both written and spoken English*.

Furthermore, experience in one or more of the fields below is highly desirable:

• Bio-transport phenomena and transport-diffusion-reaction theory,
• Multiscale modelling,
• Machine/deep learning,
• Multidisciplinary research,
• Clinical imaging analysis.

Please highlight your specific skills for this position explicitly in your motivation letter. Motivation letters that do not address any of these requirements will not be considered.

*Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details, please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541,- gross per month in the first year to € 3247,- gross per month in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

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