Funded PhD: Development of a Library of Digital Reanimated Mitral Valves

The overarching aim of this PhD project is to advance our understanding of native mitral valve behaviour in aged cardiac structures and improved assessment for emerging transcatheter mitral valve replacement devices.

Mitral regurgitation, backflow of blood into the left atrium, is one the most common types of valvular disease. Minimally invasive devices for the replacement of regurgitant mitral valves are a hot topic in the medical device industry. However, with no large animal model of valvular regurgitation, it remains critical to understand how valve pathological variation impacts replacement valve performance.

As part of wider programme that will develop a numerical modelling framework that uses as input cadaveric cardiac tissue imaging data to be reconstructed, to provide a library of digital anatomies. These 3D representations will be digitally reanimated using finite element analysis (FEA). This will enable realistic numerical prediction of aged cardiac structures’ functional behaviour i.e. reproducing the behaviour of the aged beating heart. The secondary phase of work will then enable quantification of dynamic loadings experienced in aged pathological mitral apparatuses, prediction of optimal transcatheter device delivery, and loading quantification for life-prediction related to device durability.

The successful applicant will focus on using imaging data of aged cadaveric tissue specifically MicroCT and DT-MRI modalities. This data will be reconstructed and digitally reanimated using Finite Element Analysis for a library of reanimated digital anatomies. Implantation of transcatheter mitral valve replacement devices within this library will be performed.

About TERG

The RCSI Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG) utilises biomaterials expertise to develop construct and living system technologies that can restore the structural and functional properties of damaged or degenerated tissues, whilst also trying to expand fundamental understanding in the fields of biomechanics and mechanobiology. TERG as a research centre and RCSI as a health sciences university, welcomes its responsibility to provide equal opportunities for all. We are actively seeking diversity in our research teams and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

This position is fully funded and the successful candidate will receive a stipend of €25,000 per annum (tax exempt) for 3.5 years plus registration fees (both EU and non-EU fees are supported in this scholarship).

Tenure: 3.5 years

Start date: 1 October 2025

Specification

Minimum requirements

  • Minimum of an upper second class honours (2.1) degree, or equivalent, in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, medical physics or related discipline.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and a high level of competence in the English language.
  • Ability to work independently, to take initiative and discuss/develop and communicate own ideas.

Desirable candidate specifications

  • Previous experience in finite element analysis or image reconstruction.

Applications process

Please apply via email to Dr Claire Conway (claireconway@rcsi.ie) with the subject heading 'PhD Project Application - Mitral Valve Reanimation'. In your application include (in pdf format):

  1. An up-to-date CV
  2. A 500-word cover letter outlining your interest in and suitability for the position
  3. Scanned transcripts (preferred), or detailed degree grade breakdown
  4. Details of two referees
  5. Copy of an academic IELTS examination, or equivalent (for candidates whose first language is not English)

Application deadline: 17 July 2025

Shortlisting: Late July 2025

Interviews: Early August 2025

Please note

  • It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full and on time – late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview (applicants may attend a virtual interview, although in-person is preferred)
  • At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted.